Your Mental Health Guide | Definition, Disorders & Treatment
Did you know about 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental health issue each year?
That’s nearly 20% of the adult population dealing with conditions ranging from anxiety to depression or other mental illnesses.
Mental health affects how we think, feel and act, influencing our health and wellbeing every day. In other words, mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It’s about how well we flourish and function. Recognising what mental health is and nurturing it is the first step towards living a balanced, healthy life.
So, let explore everything you should know about mental health, including its definition, how it varies on a continuum, early warning signs, common mental disorders and practical self-care tips to improve your mental well-being.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our overall psychological well-being. It encompasses our emotional, psychological and social state, basically, how we feel about ourselves and our ability to meet life’s challenges.
The mental health definition by WHO highlights that:
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community”.
In practice, mental health includes positive traits like happiness, confidence, and resilience, and it’s just as essential as physical health for overall quality of life.
The Mental Health Continuum
Mental health sits on ‘a complex continuum. We all move along this continuum. On some days we feel energetic and positive. At other times we feel stressed or low. On one end is thriving. Whereas, on the other end is in crisis. In between, people can be coping or struggling.
Stage | Description |
Healthy/Thriving | Emotionally balanced, coping well with daily stresses, feeling happy and productive. |
Reacting/Coping | Experiencing mild difficulties or stress (e.g. worry, irritability) but actively using coping strategies. |
Injured/Struggling | Marked distress or impairment (e.g. insomnia, persistent sadness/anxiety) but not yet a full illness. |
Illness/Crisis | Severe symptoms meeting criteria for a mental disorder, significantly impacting daily life and function. |
This framework emphasises that “mental health as a continuum” allows for movement. A person who is healthy might later feel stressed. And someone who is ill can recover and move back toward well-being. Understanding this fluidity helps reduce stigma. Everyone can find themselves at any point on the spectrum.
Early Signs of Mental Health Issues
Did you know that nearly 45% of the Australian population will face a mental health issue at some stage in their life? It proves that you’re not alone, and mental health challenges are more common than many people realise.
Here are some common red flags to keep on your radar:
Category | Symptoms |
Emotional Symptoms | – Ongoing sadness, mood swings, or irritability – Feeling hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed – Excessive worry, fear, or panic without clear reason – Shame or guilt that doesn’t go away |
Cognitive Changes | – Trouble focusing or making decisions – Racing thoughts or intrusive worries – Memory problems or feeling mentally “foggy” |
Behavioural Clues | – Withdrawing from loved ones or usual activities – Loss of interest in hobbies or things that once brought joy – Sleeping or eating much more or much less than usual – Using alcohol, nicotine, or drugs to cope |
Physical Signs | – Feeling constantly tired or fatigued – Experiencing unexplained aches, headaches, or digestive issues – Noticeable changes in weight or sleep patterns |
Severe Warning Signs | – Talking about self-harm or harming others – Expressing thoughts of worthlessness or wanting to “disappear” – Hearing voices or experiencing delusions – Inability to carry out basic daily activities like cooking or going to work |
Risk Factors and Causes of Mental Health Issues
Mental health is the result of an interaction of various factors. The WHO emphasizes that mental health is shaped by a complex combination of individual, social and structural factorswho.int. Major contributors are:
- Biological factors: Inheritance (genetics), brain chemistry (neurotransmitters), hormonal changes, and chronic diseases.
- Psychological: Personality, coping mechanisms, and history of trauma. Child abuse, loss, or neglect can be risk factors. Trauma victims can be more susceptible to later anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Environmental/Social: Stressors of life such as loss of a job, financial issues, relationship deterioration, or significant life transitions. Experience of violence, discrimination or isolation can erode mental resilience.
- Lifestyle: Sleep deprivation, physical inactivity, poor diet, drugs/alcohol abuse, and ongoing stress can erode mental resilience.
Now that we’ve explored the early symptoms of mental health challenges, let’s explore the most common mental illnesses people experience.
Common Mental Health Disorders | Types, Symptoms, and What to Expect
Mental health conditions come in many forms. Each comes with its own set of symptoms and challenges. Healthcare professionals usually classify these conditions based on shared features.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most frequently diagnosed mental health disorders:
1. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues worldwide. These conditions involve intense, often uncontrollable fear or nervousness about specific situations, events, or even nothing in particular. So, common types of anxiety disorders include:
✅ Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD experience constant anxiety about everyday situations, even when there’s no real danger. This worry is often accompanied by:
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Tense muscles
✅ Panic Disorder
Panic attacks happen out of the blue and can feel like a heart attack or a complete loss of control. They often involve chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and dread or fear of dying.
✅Phobias
Phobias go beyond normal fears and interfere with daily life. Common types include:
- Specific Phobias – fear of spiders, flying, heights, etc.
- Agoraphobia – fear of being in places where escape might be difficult, like public transport.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels compelled to perform — often to relieve anxiety. Common examples include:
- Excessive hand washing
- Mental rituals or counting
- Checking things repeatedly (like locks or appliances)
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after witnessing or experiencing something terrifying or life-threatening. The symptoms may show up weeks or even years later and often include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Severe anxiety
- Avoiding anything that reminds the person of the trauma
- Emotional numbness
4. Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, sometimes called affective disorders, affect how you feel on a daily basis. They go beyond occasional sadness or happiness and can deeply affect a person’s life.
✅ Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
This involves persistent sadness, low energy, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Other symptoms might include difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, and changes in appetite or sleep.
✅ Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder alternate between manic episodes (unusually high energy or mood) and depressive episodes (deep sadness or fatigue). These mood shifts can disrupt relationships, work, and daily routines.
✅ Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression linked to changes in daylight and seasons, most common during the darker months of fall and winter. Symptoms usually improve with more sunlight or light therapy.
5. Psychotic Disorders (Including Schizophrenia)
Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders affect how a person thinks, feels, and perceives the world. They often involve:
- Positive symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking
- Negative symptoms such as emotional flatness, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal
These disorders typically begin in the late teens to early 30s and can be deeply disruptive without treatment.
Now, you might be wondering how are these disorders actually diagnosed? Let’s explore how healthcare professionals get from symptoms to a clear diagnosis.
How Are Mental Health Conditions Diagnosed?
Mental health diagnosis isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation — it’s a careful, multi-step process that takes both physical and psychological aspects into account. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
1. Physical Health First
The journey mostly begins with a thorough physical exam and a review of your medical history. This helps doctors check whether your symptoms might be linked to an underlying physical condition, such as thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic illnesses, rather than a mental health disorder.
They can also order lab tests or imaging. Like blood work or scans, to rule out possible medical explanations.
2. Psychological Evaluation
Next, the focus shifts to your emotional and mental well-being. A mental health professional will have a conversation with you about:
- What symptoms you’re experiencing
- How long they’ve been present
- How they’re affecting your work, relationships, and daily life
You might also be asked to fill out standardised mental health questionnaires to better understand your moods, behaviors, and thought patterns.
3. Using the DSM-5-TR
Most professionals rely on the DSM-5-TR, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. This guide outlines specific criteria for different mental health conditions, from anxiety to bipolar disorder, and helps clinicians make accurate, evidence-based diagnoses.
When Do Mental Health Issues Commonly Appear?
Research shows that mental health conditions are most common among young adults aged 18–25. However, symptoms can emerge at any age, and older adults are not immune.
Interestingly, the prevalence of mental health issues tends to decrease significantly in people aged 50 and above. Though this could also be influenced by underreporting or stigma.
Tips to Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing: Prevention & Self-Care
Although not all mental health problems can be avoided, numerous self-care and lifestyle approaches fortify our psychological well-being. Regular positive practices can maintain our mind health in good shape. Some of the most important strategies are:
- Regular Exercise: Endorphins get released and stress hormones decreased through physical exercise. Even yoga or daily walks can enhance mood and help build self-esteem.
- Balanced Diet: Consuming healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein) maintains brain health. Omega-3 fatty acid diets (fish, nuts) have been associated with reduced rates of depression.
- Adequate Sleep: Sleep 7–9 hours each night. Healthy sleep restores the brain and balances emotions; unhealthy sleep is a symptom and a cause of mental anguish.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Methods such as meditation, deep-breathing, or journaling de-stress. Mindfulness grounds you in the present, ending worry cycles.
- Social Connection: Keep in touch with friends, family, and community. Talking to good friends or joining group activities gives you a sense of belonging and support.
- Set Boundaries and Goals: Practice saying no to too much stress. Establish achievable goals and break. Reward small successes to boost confidence.
- Limit Alcohol and Drugs: Substance abuse can exacerbate anxiety and depression. Coping with stress using alcohol or drugs usually boomerangs.
Struggling with stress, anxiety, or emotional burnout?
Visit Main Street Medical Centre for Supportive Counselling and Mental Health Care Plans
At Main Street Medical Centre, our warm, non-judgmental team of experienced doctors and compassionate counsellors is here to help you. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, stress, or simply feel “off”, we’ll listen without pressure and help you find clarity.
From therapy and lifestyle guidance to medication management, we’ll work with you to build a personalised mental health care plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Because your mental health matters just as much as your physical health.
