Mental Health Problems

Disclaimer: If you believe you are experiencing mental health problems it is important to seek help from a licensed mental health professional who can provide a diagnosis, if appropriate, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. The information on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to self-diagnose.

Common Mental Health Problems

All of the following are extremely common mental health problems. If they cause significant problems in a person’s life that person may be diagnosed with a disorder (examples: generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, etc.).

Anxiety is a natural response to stress that helps us prepare for potential threats. Anxiety that is excessive or persistent can become a problem if it interferes with daily life. Symptoms vary from person to person but they often include:

Anxiety might take the form of social anxiety, health anxiety (hypochondriasis), general anxiety, panic attacks, etc. If a person is suffering from severe anxiety that significantly affects their functioning / quality of life they may be be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (examples: social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, etc.).

For examples of types of therapy that might help with anxiety see the following on our resources page: anxiety checklist; managing anxiety; practical mindfulness; the ABCDE model of REBT; common thinking errors; stress management techniques.

Behavioral problems refer to any issue with behavior that causes problems in a person’s social, occupational/academic, or other important areas of functioning. Behavioral problems might be related to emotional dysregulation (see below), and both of these might be linked to other mental health disorders. Personality disorders (see below), in particular, are often linked to behavioral problems.

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. It can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life, including work, school, and relationships. Depression is a treatable condition, and treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

For examples of types of therapy that might help with depression see the following on our resources page: practical mindfulness; the ABCDE model of REBT; common thinking errors; stress management techniques.

Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty in managing one’s emotions. When a person is emotionally dysregulated they are acting on their emotions automatically or reflexively without a great deal of thought. Unmanaged or dysregulated emotions, such as anger or fear, can lead a person to act in ways that are contrary to their values and their long-term goals. Emotional dysregulation can be a symptom of a larger mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use problems, etc.

For examples of types of therapy that might help with emotional dysregulation see the following on our resources page: practical mindfulness; the ABCDE model of REBT; common thinking errors; stress management techniques.

Substance use problems are any problems that are associated with use or excessive use of psychoactive substances. Excessive use of substances can result in problems in various life domains (examples: social, occupational / academic, sexual, emotional / psychological, physical, etc.). Severe substance use problems may require medical and social / environmental interventions, in addition to mental health counseling.

For examples of types of therapy that might help with substance use problems see the following on our resources page: practical mindfulness; the ABCDE model of REBT; common thinking errors; stress management techniques.

Sleep problems — problems falling or staying asleep. Chronic or severe sleep issues likely will qualify as a sleep or wake disorder. Sleep problems may be a primary issue or secondary to other medical problems or substance use problems. If you are experiencing sleep problems mental health counseling can help you to determine the cause or causes and develop a treatment plan. Treatment for sleep problems often include medical evaluation, in addition to therapy.

If you are experiencing sleep difficulties see our sleep checklist.

Common Career or Academic Problems

Career / education path dissatisfaction — dissatisfaction in these domains can lead to boredom, feelings of meaninglessness or purposelessness, moral injury, depression, anxiety, etc. Mental health counselors are trained in career / academic counseling, and this can be an important part of your therapy. Career counseling can be very effective at helping an individual find meaningful ways to be productive in their lives.

Procrastination is the action (or inaction) of putting off things that we need to do—often until the last minute. 

Perfectionism is a way of thinking that paralyzes or impedes expedient action. Perfectionism occurs when we have unrealistic standards for ourselves or our performance, and it is often tied to certain thought process errors, such as black-and-white thinking.

Mental health counseling can help individuals to overcome procrastination and perfectionism. For examples of types of therapy that might help with these issues see the following on our resources page: countering procrastination.

Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders

Psychological trauma can be caused by a variety of distressing events (examples: assaults; natural disasters; violent conflicts; loss of loved ones; various types of abuse; witnessing deaths, injuries, or violence; etc.). Sometimes trauma or post-traumatic stress can reach the level of being a disorder (causing problems in various life domains).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, war, or a violent personal assault. PTSD symptoms can include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood and cognition, and increased arousal and reactivity. PTSD can significantly impact a person’s daily life, causing significant distress and impairment.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person experiences prolonged or repeated trauma over a period of time, such as in cases of ongoing abuse or neglect. C-PTSD symptoms can include all the symptoms of PTSD, as well as additional symptoms such as difficulty regulating emotions, changes in self-perception, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. C-PTSD can also lead to a sense of shame or guilt, feeling disconnected from others, and a loss of meaning or purpose in life.

Counseling provides a safe space for processing and healing from trauma. Various forms of psychotherapy may be effective in treating post-traumatic stress, however, these are often used in a unique, “trauma-informed” way. Sometimes medical treatment, such as medication, is helpful for individuals who have a trauma related disorder.

Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress (PITS) is a form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by engaging in violence or other traumatizing actions that were contrary to the perpetrator’s values, or are contrary to the perpetrator’s current values.

Guilt / Shame / Moral injury

Guilt is a feeling of remorse or regret that arises when a person has done something that they believe is wrong or harmful. Guilt can be helpful as a signal to change one’s behavior / make amends / or rectify a problematic situation — but if it persists after these steps have been taken then it presents a problem that can lead to other mental health problems, such as persistent shame, anxiety, or depression.

Shame is a more general feeling of unworthiness or inadequacy that arises from a person’s perception of themselves. Shame can be a very powerful and destructive emotion because it can make a person feel like they are fundamentally flawed or defective.

Moral injury is a term used to describe the psychological and emotional distress that can occur when a person’s actions or inactions violate their moral or ethical beliefs or values. Moral injury can occur in a variety of contexts, including military combat, healthcare, and other professions that involve making difficult decisions that may have significant consequences for others. Moral injury can cause feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal, as well as a sense of loss of identity and meaning. People who experience moral injury may also struggle with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For examples of types of therapy that might help with guilt / shame / moral injury see the following on our resources page: practical mindfulness; REBT guilt / shame resolution flow chart, the ABCDE model of REBT; common thinking errors; stress management techniques.

Common Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive, persistent, and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that are intended to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions. OCD can significantly impact a person’s daily life and functioning, causing significant distress and impairment. OCD symptoms are usually egodystonic.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is a cluster C personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. People with OCPD may have rigid and inflexible ways of thinking, may struggle to delegate tasks to others, and may have difficulty completing tasks because of excessive attention to detail. Unlike OCD, the preoccupations and behaviors of OCPD are not typically recognized as being irrational (that is, they are egosyntonic).

For examples of types of therapy that might help with common obsessive compulsive and related disorders see the following on our resources page: practical mindfulness; the ABCDE model of REBT; common thinking errors; stress management techniques.

Bipolar and Related Disorders

These disorders involve dramatic mood swings between very elevated mood (that may include erratic and / or delusional thinking) and very low mood. Very elevated mood with erratic and / or delusional thinking is referred to as mania; less severe mania, usually without disordered thinking, is called hypomania; very low mood is called depression. The disorders in this category include bipolar I disorder (BDI; bipolar with mania / more severe symptoms), bipolar II disorder (BDII; bipolar with hypomania / less severe symptoms), and cyclothymic disorder (less severe mood cycling than bipolar disorder).

Mental health counseling can help individuals with these disorders to manage their symptoms and live healthy, fulfilling lives. A mental health professional can also help to link you with other providers if medication or medical services should be part of your treatment.

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

This category includes several disorders, which are differentiated based on their specific symptoms and clinical presentation. Examples:

• Schizophrenia: This disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and abnormal motor behavior.

• Schizotypal Personality Disorder: This disorder involves a pattern of odd beliefs or magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, and eccentric behavior, similar to but less severe than schizophrenia.

• Brief Psychotic Disorder: This disorder involves the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech or behavior, that last for less than one month.

• Schizophreniform Disorder: This disorder involves symptoms similar to schizophrenia but lasts for a shorter period, between one and six months.

• Delusional Disorder: This disorder involves persistent, non-bizarre delusions that are not accompanied by other psychotic symptoms.

• Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder: This disorder involves psychotic symptoms that are caused by substance abuse, medication side effects, or exposure to toxins.

In the initial phases of treatment schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders require multifaceted care—involving mental health counseling, psychiatric or medical evaluation / treatment, and social / environmental adjustments.

After stabilization, individuals will benefit greatly from mental health counseling that can teach them to effectively manage their disorder and any related problems.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders typically manifest during childhood and are related to brain development, including intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, and autism spectrum disorder. Neurodevelopmental disorders are best treated through a multifaceted approach that includes medical, psychological, and social / environmental aspects.

Mental health counseling can help individuals to manage their disorder and to cope with any related problems.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders are enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate significantly from the expectations of the individual’s culture and cause significant distress and impairment in functioning. Personality disorders are often categorized according to similarity in presentation / symptomatology; these are:

Cluster A personality disorders: This group includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders. These disorders are characterized by eccentric and odd behavior, social withdrawal, and unusual beliefs or perceptions.

Cluster B personality disorders: This group includes antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), histrionic personality disorder (HPD), and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Persons with these disorders may exhibit problematic impulsivity, problematic behaviors (examples: manipulation, chronic deceptiveness, antisocial behaviors, etc.), and have a history of failed or troubled relationships. BPD and HPD are also characterized by emotional lability (see glossary entry), emotional dysregulation, and dramatic or erratic behavior.

Cluster C personality disorders: This group includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders (OCPD). These disorders are characterized by anxiety, fearfulness, and perfectionism.

Each personality disorder has its own set of diagnostic criteria that must be met for a diagnosis to be made. Personality disorders are distinct from other mental disorders in that they reflect relatively enduring traits of an individual’s personality, rather than temporary changes in mood or behavior.

A mental health counselor may work with you to explore these disorders and decide if you meet the criteria for one of these disorders, however, it may take several months to determine if a person truly meets criteria for a personality disorder. Mental health counseling can help individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, and those high in certain personality disorder traits, to learn more adaptive (healthy) ways of thinking and interacting with others. Various forms of therapy may help people with personality disorders, however, these are often applied in a specific way that is tailored to the issues and needs of the individual.

Miscellaneous Mental Health Issues

Sexual problems — problems in this life domain can greatly affect a person’s concept of identity, their relationships with intimate partners, and lead to reduced life satisfaction in general. Untreated sexual health concerns can cause or contribute to other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, etc.

Existential, philosophical, or spiritual concerns — issues pertaining to one’s beliefs about values, meaning, purpose, understanding, and ultimate reality. Counseling provides a safe space to explore these topics together so you can process your emotions and discover more about yourself, your values, and your beliefs.

Disordered eating and eating disorders — a wide range of irregular and problematic eating behaviors that can lead to physical and mental health issues. Disordered eating is a term used to describe eating patterns that are not classified as full-blown eating disorders but still pose a risk to an individual’s health and well-being.

Examples of disordered eating behaviors include:

• Skipping meals

• Restricting certain types of food

• Binge eating

• Purging (vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, etc.) after eating

• Obsessively counting calories or tracking food intake

• Exercising excessively or compulsively

• Eating in secret or feeling guilty or ashamed about eating

Disordered eating can lead to physical and mental health problems such as nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, involve more severe types of disordered eating that meet criteria for diagnosis. In the case of eating disorders counseling in addition to medical treatment is often necessary.

Behavioral addictions

Behavioral addictions, also known as process addictions, are a type of addiction in which a person engages in a specific behavior repeatedly, despite negative consequences. These behaviors may provide pleasure, relief from anxiety or stress, or a sense of reward, leading to compulsive or addictive behavior. Unlike substance addictions, which involve the use of drugs or alcohol, behavioral addictions involve non-substance-related behaviors.

Common examples of behavioral addictions include:

• Gambling addiction

• Internet addiction

• Gaming addiction

• Sex addiction

• Shopping addiction

• Exercise addiction

• Food addiction

• Work addiction

• Love addiction

• Pornography addiction

Like substance addictions, behavioral addictions can have significant negative impacts on a person’s life, including their relationships, work, finances, and physical and mental health. Treatment for behavioral addictions may involve therapy, support groups, and/or medication, depending on the severity of the addiction and individual needs. Mental health counseling can help individuals to overcome their addictions and live in a way that is more in line with their values and long-term goals.