Mental health challenges and disorders have many different signs and symptoms and can look different in different people. They can impact how a person thinks, feels and behaves.
Some common symptoms of a mental health challenge or disorder are:
- changes in mood
- changes in the way you perceive things
- obsessions
- fears
- feelings of anxiety
Mental health challenges and disorders can happen to anyone. They affect people of all ages, races and social classes. No one is immune.
The best way to prevent mental health challenges from getting worse is to recognize symptoms early and get professional help. Many mental health challenges and disorders can be treated successfully. When the signs are recognized early, that person can get started on the path to a full recovery.
Here is a list of some of the most common mental health challenges and disorders experienced by children and youth.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children and youth with ADHD usually have some combination of challenges with: paying attention, being restless, or acting before thinking
MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism is a developmental condition that is characterized by impaired social interactions, and verbal and non-verbal communication, and by...
MoreBehavioural Disorders
Behavioural Disorders
Behavioural disorders affect the way a child acts. There are two types of behavioural disorders: oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
MoreBipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
A person with bipolar disorder has extreme changes or swings in moods, from mania to depression. Because of the two “poles” of mood, this illness is...
MoreBorderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
The diagnosis of a personality disorder must be done carefully. The symptoms need to have lasted for long periods and be stable.
MoreConcurrent Disorders
Concurrent Disorders
Concurrent disorders are mental illness and substance use problems that happen at the same time.
MoreDepression & Depressive Disorders
Depression & Depressive Disorders
Depression is a type of mood disorder. The main sign of depression is when a child or youth are sad or irritable for weeks or longer, but there are...
MoreEating Disorders
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders are a type of mental illness that involves unhealthy thoughts and behaviours towards food, weight, and your body shape
MoreEmotional Regulation
Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation, sometimes called self-regulation, refers to the way we deal with big feelings like anger, excitement, frustration, anxiety, or...
MoreGrief & Loss
Grief & Loss
Grief is what we experience when we lose something important. We might feel numb, anxious, sad, heartbroken, angry, scared or guilty. We might even...
MoreInfant Mental Health
Infant Mental Health
Infant mental health means the mental health of children from newborns to the age of three. Just like everyone has physical health, everyone has...
MoreObsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders
OCD is made up of two different parts, obsessions and compulsions. A child or youth may avoid things or situations that trigger obsessions or...
MoreSchizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness. People with schizophrenia have problems thinking. They may have trouble understanding information and using it to...
MoreSelf-Injury
Self-Injury
Some people harm themselves on purpose to help them deal with difficult thoughts or feelings.
MoreSomatization
Somatization
Somatic symptoms are experienced in the body - physical sensations, movements or experiences. Somatization is a normal human experience, but...
MoreSubstance Use Challenges
Substance Use Challenges
Just because a youth is using substances doesn't mean they have a substance use problem, but it is important to talk to them if you are concerned...
MoreTics & Tourette Syndrome
Tics & Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome is characterized by quick or sudden movements or sounds that are repeated for no apparent reason. These movements or sounds are...
MoreTrauma & PTSD
Trauma & PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stress disorder that a child or youth may develop after experiencing or witnessing a life...
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