Common mental health challenges

What are some common mental health challenges and some ways to manage them?

Tap or click each card to read brief descriptions of several different types of mental health challenges and common strategies people use to take care of themselves and find support. Understanding more about mental health and mental health challenges – and how common they are – can help you communicate about your experiences. More openly talking about mental health with people you trust can support you in seeking the care, resources, and community that can contribute to your wellness and healing.

Depression

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Depression is when someone feels overwhelmingly sad, down, or hopeless for a long time (a few weeks to months) and is not able to concentrate or do the things they usually enjoy. It can interfere with their ability to handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or managing school work. Depression is common and can benefit from things like therapy, meditation practice, medication, exercise, and talking to friends and/or trusted adults.

Anxiety

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Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often about an upcoming event or uncertain outcome. Anxiety can have physical symptoms (like sweaty palms, shakiness, restlessness) or mental effects (like racing thoughts or feeling constantly worried). Anxiety disorders are often diagnosed when it doesn’t go away and/or gets worse over time. They are common and can benefit from things like therapy, meditation practice, medication, or exercise.

Stress

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Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. People feel stress about many things, including school, work, family, relationships, and world events. We all experience it at some point, and when we do, it can be difficult to prioritize self-care. Thinking about what brings you comfort, such as taking some time to yourself, moving your body, calling a loved one, doing a breathing exercise, or doing something you love can help in managing stress.

Body image & emotional health

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Having frequent negative thoughts about your body can harm your mental health. Social media and being bombarded with images of “perfect” bodies can make this even worse.

Feeling safe and respected in your relationships can also be an important part of you feeling your best in your body and your mind. For more information about healthy relationships, please head to this part of the site.

Trauma

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Trauma is the lasting effects, like stress or feelings of overwhelm, from a person’s experience of an unexpected event or a life circumstance. Trauma can be witnessed, experienced, or include historical events, which means people can be affected by hurtful things that happened in their community or family years after it occurred. While much of this is a natural response to difficult experiences, people may need additional support to recognize and cope with these reactions (Teen Talk).