Different Kinds of Mental Health Problems

Mental ill-health covers a wide range of symptoms, which in turn are given a very wide range of different medical names. The following offers a starting point for information about several of the more common mental health problems. You can also read our factsheets , and visit other links to further information.

Click on the links below to get further information on:

Bipolar Disorders (Manic Depression)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Bipolar Disorders (Manic Depression)

Bipolar Disorders (also known as Manic Depression) are a group of mental health problems involving extreme mood swings (highs and lows). Both males and females of any age and from any social or ethnic background can develop bipolar disorder.

Mania (a high) is a term used for periods of great elation. A person’s mind will race; they may talk very quickly, seem full of energy, not sleep very much, or at the extreme, begin to believe they have special powers or abilities.

The depression experienced in bipolar disorder is very similar to that experienced in other kinds of depression .

Bipolar disorder can be very disruptive in a person’s life, but many people are well for long periods between symptoms. With a combination of treatments such as medication and careful monitoring of early warning symptoms, many people with bipolar disorder recover and lead productive lives.

For more information on bipolar disorders see our factsheet or see these sites:

STEADY (MDF young people site)

Manic Depression Fellowship

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complicated mental health problem, usually involving difficulties in relating to other people, and very poor self-esteem. These ways of thinking, feeling and behaving cause many problems at work, in school, and socially.

It is estimated that between 2-3% of people have Borderline Personality Disorder (that is up to 151,800 Scots). [1]

Symptoms of BPD may show in adolescence. A young person might be confused about feelings of depression or low self-esteem, and may experience suicidal thoughts. People with BPD often do potentially harmful things to themselves (like self harm, drug /alcohol abuse or risky sexual activity) and may seem very angry, or bitter.

There is a strong link between traumatic experiences (such as sexual or physical abuse) and BPD. That said, people with no history of trauma can experience BPD symptoms.

For more information on BPD see our factsheet or see these sites:

Borderline UK

Mind “Understand Borderline Personality Disorder”

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Depression

Everyone feels 'down in the dumps', sad or 'low' at some time. That is a normal part of life. People sometimes describe themselves as 'depressed' when what they mean is that they are feeling a bit down.

People with depression may have difficulty concentrating, lack motivation, experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or low self-esteem. They may have disturbed sleep, or disturbed appetite, or may not look after themselves.

When symptoms go on for more than two weeks, or if a person feels suicidal or has thoughts about suicide, medical help should be sought urgently.

Thousands of people experience depression every year. There are many treatments available to help people recover, but in general, the sooner help is sought, the quicker the recovery happens.

For more information on depression see our factsheet or see these sites:

Breathing Space

Depression Alliance

Young Minds Depression Information

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Eating Disorders

At some point, most people feel the need to lose a bit of weight, get a bit fitter, or comfort eat after a bad day. When these feelings become persistent (forming a major part of somebody’s life), it may indicate the start of an eating disorder.

It is estimated that as many as 1.15 million people in Britain have an eating problem. Approximately 90,000 people are thought to be receiving treatment for one of the medically defined eating disorders anorexia or bulimia. [2] Although more eating disorders are common in young women, men are also affected.

When young people feel that they have very little control of the events going on around them, an eating problem can make them feel more in control. Without help, the eating problem itself can get out of control. It can damage people's bodies and can leave them feeling unhappy and bad about themselves and others, depressed, and even suicidal.

For more information on eating disorders see our factsheet or see these sites:

Eating Disorders Association

Young Minds Eating Disorders Information

Mind “Understanding Eating Disorders”

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a very complicated mental health problem. Each individual will experience a range of symptoms and not everyone will have them all.

Schizophrenia affects people from all walks of life. The first symptoms often develop in early adulthood, but may remain undiagnosed.

How schizophrenia begins varies from person to person. For some, the illness starts suddenly with their becoming unwell very quickly and quite severely.

Thoughts may become muddled or a person may experience hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or tasting things that are not there), be paranoid, or have strong beliefs about things that are not real. This is what is meant by the term psychosis.

For others, the change is gradual and some people may show signs of withdrawal or neglecting themselves. These changes in behaviour can be very difficult to understand especially when no one has recognised that the people are ill.

For more information on schizophrenia see our factsheet or see these sites:

National Schizophrenia Fellowship Scotland

Rethink – Severe Mental Illness

@-Ease

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Self Harm

Self harm describes “a wide range of things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and usually hidden way, which are damaging.” [3] Self–harm might include injuring by cutting, burning or hitting, taking overdoses, or deliberately abusing alcohol or drugs.

Studies show that at least 1 in 10 young people between the ages of 12-18 self harm. [4]

There are many reasons for self harm, which are often complex and difficult to understand. Some people who self harm feel that it provides the means to survive overwhelming emotions - a way to control feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.

Individuals who self harm are likely to have a method and part of the body they harm, and a way of keeping it well hidden. Many people who self harm are shocked and amazed to find out that other people do it too: it often feels like they are the only people to do this.

With time, and support, most people who self harm can learn other ways of coping, and expressing their feelings.

For more information on self harm read our factsheet or contact these sites:

National Inquiry into Self Harm in Young People

National Self Harm Network

NCB Self Harm and Young People Resource

Young Minds Self Harm Information

Penumbra Young People and Self Harm Information

LifeSIGNS

Recover Your Life

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Footnotes

[1] Borderline UK