Mental health refers to emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Common mental health disorders include anxiety disorders (like generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder), mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia), eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

Symptoms of depression may include persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Anxiety disorders can be treated through various methods, including therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), medication (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or benzodiazepines), lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques.

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time in response to difficult situations or losses. Depression, on the other hand, is a clinical condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities, lasting for at least two weeks and significantly impacting daily functioning.

You can support someone struggling with their mental health by offering non-judgmental listening, encouraging them to seek professional help, helping them find resources or treatment options, and being patient and understanding.