Mental illnesses may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. They can be temporary or lifelong and include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. Help is available to prevent or manage mental health problems.
Depression is not just feeling sad. Everyone feels sad from time to time, but people with depression experience severe and prolonged feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness that are a change from their usual self. One in four women and one in six men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives.
Anxiety is extreme worry that interferes with our daily lives. Symptoms include panic attacks, physical fear reactions and attempts to avoid the situation. Anxiety disorders can lead to social isolation and depression.