Medical professionals categorize mental health conditions based on shared characteristics. Among them are

1. anxiety disorders 2. mood disorders 3. schizophrenia disorders

1. Anxiety disorders 

These are the most common disorders; people with this condition have fear or anxiety about certain objects or situations. They try to avoid exposure triggers, but a person with GAD may feel anxiety disorder with no trigger at all.

The following is the list of anxiety disorder:

• restlessness
• fatigue
• poor concentration
• tense muscles
• interrupted sleep

Phobias: 

There are many types of phobias, and the problems served by one person might dominate the life of another person. These types may include:

Simple Phobias: disproportionate fear of specific objects, scenarios, or animals. Eg: fear of spiders.

Social Phobia: also called agoraphobia, the fear of situations that get difficult. E.g., being watched or judged by people.

Agoraphobia: This refers to fear of situations that get difficult or fear of being outside. E.g., moving train or elevator.

Panic Disorder: 

This disorder refers to regular panic attacks, which involve sudden, overwhelming terror or a sense of imminent disaster and death.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may experience constant, stressful thoughts that urge them to do regular activities like handwashing, etc.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD can occur a witnesses or traumatic event after a person experience. They think their life and other lives are in danger; thus, they can also feel like they have no control over what is happening.

These sensations of trauma and fear may then contribute to PTSD.

2. Mood Disorder 

This is also referred to as affective disorder or depressive disorders. A person with a mood disorder will have continuous mood swings, a stage-like high energy, joy, or depression.

Major depression: a person with major depression undergoes a stable low mood and loses interest in their regular activity. They may also feel prolonged periods of sadness or extreme sadness.

Bipolar Disorder: An individual with bipolar disorder experiences unusual changes in their energy, activity, and ability to continue with regular life. High moods are known as manic phases, while depressive phases are called low moods.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight during the fall, winter, and early spring months triggers SAD, a type of major depression. Trusted Source.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight during the fall, winter, and early spring months triggers SAD, a type of major depression Trusted Source.

3. Schizophrenia Disorder 

The term “schizophrenia” refers to a spectrum of disorders characterized by features of psychosis. These are highly complex conditions. According to NIMH, signs of schizophrenia typically develop between the ages of 16 and 30. A person can have thoughts that are fragmented and find it hard to process information.

It also has positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms will include delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations, while negative symptoms include lack of motivation, inappropriate moods, etc.

Common signs of mental health 

A physical test or scan will not indicate whether a person suffers from mental health issues or not. However, here are the possible signs to look out for:

• Withdrawing from social connections and avoiding usual activities
• Irregular sleep and eating patterns
• Persistent hopelessness and low energy levels
• Increased use of substances like alcohol and nicotine
• Emotional instability, confusion, or delusional experiences
• Difficulty completing daily tasks and recurring harmful thoughts

Treatment

Various methods and treatments are available to manage mental health conditions. Treatments are highly personalized, and what works for one will not work for another. 

Some strategies are successful when combined with others. An individual with a mental health disorder may choose various opinions at various stages of life.

To provide treatment and help them to identify their need, it is important to work closely with doctors.

The following is the list of treatments to undergo:

1. Psychotherapy, or talking therapies 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy

2. Medication

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Drugs for anxiety.

3. Self-help 

• Sleep quality
• Nutritious diet
• Deep breath and mindfulness

Steps to maintain mental well-being 

The following are the steps that help a person to manage mental health by reducing the risk of illness and maintaining stress and energy levels:

Regular exercise: An individual’s mental health can be enhanced by doing 45-minute exercises three to five times per week.

Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated: This can assist an individual in sustaining a steady flow of energy throughout the day.

Aim for good-quality sleep: According to a 2021 review, major improvements in sleep quality are linked with even bigger gains in mental health.

Perform relaxing activities: Writing, wellness applications, breathing exercises, and meditation can help to reduce anxiety and improve general health and well-being.

Positive social interactions: Maintaining meaningful relationships can reduce stress, provide support, and offer practical help during times of need. 

Summary 

Mental health encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being, influencing stress response, social interactions, and decision-making. Peak mental health involves managing existing conditions and stressors while maintaining wellness and happiness. Healthcare professionals can assist individuals with mental health conditions through therapy or medication.