Psychosocial Conditions We Support

Severe depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent and pervasive feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and/or helplessness. The symptoms of severe depression are more severe and longer lasting than those of normal sadness or grief and can interfere with daily functioning.

Symptoms of severe depression may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and/or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant changes in appetite and/or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or hypersomnia
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of severe depression can vary from person to person, and the severity and duration of symptoms can also vary. Some people may experience a single episode of severe depression, while others may experience recurrent episodes.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by periods of manic and depressive episodes. People with bipolar disorder experience mood swings that can range from extremely high or "manic" periods to extremely low or "depressive" periods.

During manic episodes, individuals may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Elevated or irritable mood
• Grandiosity or feelings of superiority
• Increased energy and activity levels
• Decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts or fast speech
• Impulsivity, poor judgment, or risk-taking behavior
• Increased goal-directed activity or agitation
• Delusions or hallucinations (in severe cases)

During depressive episodes, individuals may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

It's important to note that not everyone with bipolar disorder experiences both manic and depressive episodes. Some individuals may experience predominantly manic episodes, while others may experience predominantly depressive episodes. Additionally, the severity and duration of these episodes can vary from person to person.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. People with BPD often have difficulty managing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and may have intense and unstable relationships with others.

Symptoms of BPD may include:

• Fear of abandonment or rejection
• Unstable relationships
• Impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse or reckless driving
• Emotional instability, including intense and sudden mood swings
• Feelings of emptiness or worthlessness
• Self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation
• Dissociation or feeling detached from oneself or reality
• Difficulty regulating emotions, such as anger or anxiety

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior. It is a chronic condition that can be managed with a combination of medication, therapy, and support.

Symptoms of schizophrenia may include:

• Delusions: False beliefs that are not based on reality.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
• Disorganized thinking and speech: Difficulty organizing thoughts or expressing them coherently.
• Abnormal motor behavior: Unusual or inappropriate movements, such as repeating gestures or grimacing.
• Negative symptoms: Reduced emotions or lack of interest in activities.

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations. 

Here are some signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders:

• Excessive worry or fear: A person with an anxiety disorder may experience excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations.
• Physical symptoms: Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath.
• Avoidance behavior: A person with an anxiety disorder may avoid situations or activities that they believe will trigger their anxiety.
• Irrational fears: A person with an anxiety disorder may have irrational fears or phobias, such as a fear of heights, enclosed spaces, or social situations.
• Obsessive thoughts: A person with an anxiety disorder may experience obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, such as checking and rechecking things or repeating certain actions.
• Panic attacks: Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear or anxiety that can cause physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
• Difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks, leading to decreased productivity.
• Physical health problems: Chronic anxiety can lead to physical health problems, such as headaches, digestive issues, and high blood pressure.

It's important to note that experiencing occasional worry or fear is a normal part of life. However, if anxiety is interfering with a person's daily life or causing significant distress, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. 

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. 

Here are some key features and symptoms of autism:

• Social interaction difficulties: People with autism may have difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as difficulty making eye contact, understanding social cues, or engaging in reciprocal conversation.
• Repetitive behaviors: People with autism may engage in repetitive behaviors or routines, such as repeating words or phrases, flapping their hands, or lining up objects.
• Sensory issues: People with autism may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to sensory input, such as light, sound, touch, or taste.
• Difficulty with change: People with autism may struggle with changes in routine or transitions.
• Restricted interests: People with autism may have a strong interest in a specific topic or activity, and may have difficulty engaging in other interests or activities.
• Difficulty with communication: People with autism may have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, such as using and understanding language, or interpreting tone of voice and facial expressions.

It's important to note that autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and severity of the disorder can vary widely among individuals. Additionally, some people with autism may have strengths in areas such as math, music, or art.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, natural disaster, combat, or physical or sexual assault. 

Here are some common symptoms of PTSD:

• Intrusive memories: People with PTSD may experience unwanted, distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
• Avoidance: They may avoid people, places, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event.
• Negative changes in thinking or mood: They may experience negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world, and may feel numb, detached, or unable to experience positive emotions.
• Hyperarousal: People with PTSD may be easily startled or irritable, have difficulty sleeping, and may be hypervigilant.
• Re-experiencing: They may have dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event or may experience physical sensations that remind them of the event, such as pain or nausea.
• Cognitive and mood changes: They may experience difficulty concentrating, memory loss, depression, anxiety, or guilt.

PTSD can be a debilitating condition, but it's important to note that it's treatable. Psychotherapy, medications, and other treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.