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Pre-diagnosis

One in four adults experience at least one mental health problem in any one year. Mental health problems can lead to many problems, including low mood and depression, anger, and anxiety. If you, or a loved one, are experiencing mental health problems, getting help and support is essential.

A mental health disorder is often referred to as mental illness.

Mental health disorders cover a wide range of mental health conditions and disorders which affect your mood, thinking and behaviour

Examples of mental illness include:

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

A mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function

Signs and symptoms of mental illness vary depending on the disorder. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

Examples of signs and symptoms include but not limited to:

  • Feeling sad/ down
  • Confused or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears, worries, feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of high and low
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy, sleeping problems
  • Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia, hallucinations
  • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
  • Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
  • Problems with alcohol or drug use
  • Major changes in eating habits
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Excessive angry, hostility or violence
  • Suicidal thinking 

Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder can appear as physical problems, such as:

  • Stomach pain
  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Other unexplained aches and pains

Suicidal thoughts and behaviour are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help immediately - call 999

You can get mental health support by text:

Mental health support is available for people of all ages, you can call a helpline for:

  • 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent, or someone you care for help to speak to a mental health professional
  • to have an assessment to help decide on the best course of care.

There are free listening services that offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:

Next Diagnosis
Last updated: 23/11/2022