ADHD
ADHD is a condition that affects attention, activity and impulse control. It is often spotted in childhood, but many people are not diagnosed until adulthood. Support and treatment can make a big difference.
Health conditions
Mental health conditions
Guides to common and complex mental health conditions. Each one explains the signs, the treatment the NHS offers, ways to help yourself, your rights at work and the benefits you may be able to get.
Alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence means your body and mind have come to rely on alcohol. It is a health condition, and free, confidential help is available.
Bipolar 1 disorder
Bipolar 1 disorder causes episodes of mania and, for most people, episodes of depression. With treatment and support, many people with bipolar live full and stable lives.
Bipolar 2 disorder
Bipolar 2 disorder involves periods of hypomania and depression. It is often first mistaken for depression alone, so getting the right diagnosis matters.
Borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder affects how you feel about yourself, how you relate to others and how you manage emotions. With the right support, many people see their symptoms improve a lot over time.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia causes mood swings between mild highs and lows that go on for years. The swings are less extreme than in bipolar disorder, but they can still have a big effect on life.
Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It is a common illness that affects how you feel, think and cope, and it can be treated.
Drug dependence
Drug dependence is a health condition. Free, confidential help is available, and people recover every day. Staying as safe as possible matters while you get support.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, not lifestyle choices. They can affect anyone of any age, gender, size or background, and full recovery is possible.
Generalised anxiety disorder
Generalised anxiety disorder means feeling anxious about lots of different things, most days, for a long time. It is common and treatable.
Mixed anxiety and depression
Many people have symptoms of both anxiety and depression at the same time. It is one of the most common mental health problems, and it can be treated.
OCD
OCD causes unwanted, distressing thoughts and repeated actions to try to ease the anxiety they cause. It is much more than being tidy, and it can be treated.
PTSD
PTSD can develop after a frightening or distressing event. It can start soon after, or years later. Effective treatment is available, even for trauma that happened a long time ago.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a long-term condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and sees the world. Many people recover well, especially with early treatment and good support.
You are not alone
Around 1 in 4 people in England experience a mental health problem each year. Mental health conditions are real health conditions. They are nobody's fault, and treatment and support can help.
Getting help
- Your GP can talk with you, suggest treatment and refer you to other services.
- NHS Talking Therapies: in England you can refer yourself for free talking therapy for anxiety and depression, without seeing a GP.
- In Wales, ask your GP about your local primary mental health support service.
- Charities such as Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and many condition-specific charities offer information and support.
Help that applies to many conditions
- Benefits are based on how your condition affects you, not on its name. Mental health conditions can affect many everyday activities, especially if you need someone to prompt, encourage or support you. Try our PIP points self-check.
- You may be protected at work. Under the Equality Act 2010, a mental health condition that has a substantial, long-term effect on your daily life can count as a disability.
- Access to Work offers a free, confidential Mental Health Support Service to help you stay in or return to work.
- Money worries: if you are in a mental health crisis and in debt, the Breathing Space scheme in England and Wales can pause most debt action and interest while you get treatment. Ask a debt adviser, such as StepChange or Citizens Advice.