Mental health: common conditions, self-care and finding support

Mental health is part of health. Conditions such as depression and anxiety are common, they are not a sign of weakness, and effective help exists. This page explains what mental health care covers, the conditions people most often seek help for, how to look after your own wellbeing, and how to find and check a provider.

What this field covers

Three main professions provide mental health care. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medication, and manage severe illness, including hospital admission where needed. Clinical psychologists assess psychological difficulties and provide structured talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy; they do not prescribe medicines. Counsellors offer supportive talking therapy for stress, relationship difficulties, grief and life changes. Psychiatric nurses, social workers and occupational therapists are also part of many services, and general practitioners manage a great deal of common mental illness.

The WHO fact sheet on mental disorders (11 September 2026) states that nearly one in seven people in the world live with a mental disorder, that effective prevention and treatment options exist, and that most people do not have access to effective care.

Common problems

Depression. More than a passing low mood, depression involves persistent sadness or loss of interest and pleasure, together with changes in sleep, appetite, energy and concentration, feelings of worthlessness and sometimes thoughts of death. The WHO depression fact sheet (11 September 2026) estimates that about 5.2% of adults globally are affected, more women than men, and states that effective treatment exists for mild, moderate and severe depression. General practitioners, psychologists and psychiatrists all treat depression, depending on severity.

Anxiety disorders. These include generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety and specific phobias. Fear and worry become intense, hard to control and long-lasting, with physical tension, racing heart, poor sleep and avoidance of situations. The WHO (15 September 2026) describes anxiety disorders as the most common mental disorders, affecting 470 million people in 2023, and notes that only about one in four receive treatment. Talking therapy is the main treatment, provided by psychologists and counsellors, with psychiatrists involved for severe cases.

Stress and adjustment difficulties. Bereavement, job loss, relationship breakdown, migration and illness can overwhelm a person's ability to cope, producing low mood, irritability, sleep problems and withdrawal. Counsellors and psychologists help people process the event and rebuild routines.

Post-traumatic stress. After frightening or violent events, some people develop intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance of reminders, feeling constantly on edge and emotional numbness lasting more than a month. Trauma-focused talking therapies delivered by psychologists are the main treatment.

Bipolar disorder. Episodes of depression alternate with periods of abnormally elevated mood, energy and activity (mania or hypomania), during which a person may sleep little, spend recklessly or take unusual risks. The NHS describes it as a long-term condition managed with mood-stabilising medication and talking therapy. Psychiatrists lead treatment.

Schizophrenia and psychosis. Psychosis involves losing contact with reality through hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not) or delusions (fixed false beliefs). The NHS notes that schizophrenia often begins in the late teens or twenties and that early treatment improves outcomes. Psychiatrists manage it with medication and psychological and social support.

Alcohol and substance use disorders. Drinking or drug use that a person cannot control despite harm to health, work or relationships. The WHO alcohol fact sheet (28 June 2024) estimates that 400 million people lived with alcohol use disorders, including 209 million with alcohol dependence. Psychiatrists, addiction specialists, psychologists and counsellors provide treatment, often alongside peer support groups.

Perinatal mental illness. Postnatal depression affects parents in the first year after birth, with persistent low mood, difficulty bonding, anxiety and exhaustion beyond the normal tiredness of a newborn. The NHS stresses that it is common, not a sign of being a bad parent, and treatable. Midwives, general practitioners, psychologists and perinatal psychiatrists provide care.

Sleep problems. Difficulty falling or staying asleep is both a symptom and a cause of mental ill health. Psychologists treat persistent insomnia with cognitive behavioural approaches.

Eating disorders. Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder involve preoccupation with food, weight and shape and behaviours that damage physical health. They affect people of all genders and ages and need combined psychological and medical care from psychologists, psychiatrists and dietitians.

Mental health in older people. Memory loss, confusion and personality change may indicate dementia, depression or treatable medical problems, and are assessed by psychiatrists specialising in older adults.

Prevention and self-care basics

• Protect sleep. Regular hours, a wind-down routine and limiting late screen use and caffeine support mood and concentration.
• Stay physically active; regular exercise has a measurable effect on mood and anxiety.
• Keep connected. Talking to trusted people, and avoiding isolation, protects mental health.
• Limit alcohol and avoid drugs, which worsen depression, anxiety and sleep and can trigger psychosis.
• Learn a relaxation or breathing technique for moments of high stress.
• Notice early warning signs, such as withdrawing from people, sleeping much more or less, or losing interest in things, and act before a crisis.
• If you take prescribed medication, do not stop suddenly without discussing it with the prescriber.
• Ask for help early. Early treatment generally improves outcomes.

When to see a professional

Speak to a general practitioner, counsellor or psychologist if low mood, worry, irritability or sleep problems have lasted more than two weeks, if they are affecting work, study or relationships, if you are using alcohol or drugs to cope, if you have lost interest in things you used to enjoy, or if people close to you have expressed concern. New parents who feel persistently low or detached should tell their midwife or doctor. A psychiatrist is appropriate when symptoms are severe, when medication is being considered, or when there is psychosis, mania or a risk to safety.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Seek help immediately, from emergency services, a crisis line or the nearest emergency department, if someone:

• Is talking about wanting to die, has made a plan or has harmed themselves. The WHO suicide fact sheet (28 August 2026) notes that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year and that a prior attempt is an important risk factor; talking about suicide openly and seeking help saves lives.
• Is hearing voices or holding beliefs that are leading them to put themselves or others at risk.
• Is severely agitated, aggressive or confused.
• Has not slept for days with racing thoughts and reckless behaviour.
• Is intoxicated and unresponsive, or showing signs of alcohol or drug withdrawal such as seizures or severe shaking.
• Is a new mother with thoughts of harming herself or her baby.
• Has stopped eating or drinking, or has become unable to care for themselves.

If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services.

How to find and check a provider

HealthNaro lists mental health clinics, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and counsellors. Each listing carries a verification label describing what has been checked: Public listing, Contact verified, Reviewed by HealthNaro or Credentials verified. HealthNaro does not endorse providers; the labels describe our checks, not the quality of care.

It is reasonable to ask a provider what their professional registration is and with which body, what type of therapy they offer and how many sessions are usual, how confidentiality is handled, and whether they work with a psychiatrist or doctor if medication is needed. Browse providers by specialty:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Counselling

Our consulting service is free: tell us what you need and we will help you find a suitable clinic.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a counsellor? A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe. A clinical psychologist assesses and provides structured talking therapy but does not prescribe. A counsellor provides supportive talking therapy for life difficulties. Many people see more than one.

Will I have to take medication? Not necessarily. Talking therapy alone is often recommended for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Medication is usually considered for more severe or persistent symptoms and for conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Is what I say confidential? Yes, with limited exceptions. Clinicians must act if there is a serious risk to your life or to someone else. Ask your provider to explain their confidentiality policy at the first session.

How long does therapy take? It varies. Some structured therapies run for a set number of sessions over a few months; others are open-ended. Ask what is being proposed and when progress will be reviewed.

Can mental health conditions be treated in a general clinic? Yes. General practitioners treat much depression and anxiety, and the WHO encourages integrating mental health care into primary care so that more people can reach it.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline now.