Mental Health Facts

Depression is the most common mental health condition globally, affecting more than 280 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization.

Serotonin is often called the 'feel-good hormone' because it helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It is one of the most evidence-based forms of psychotherapy.

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging feelings and thoughts. Research shows it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Common phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia) and fear of spiders (arachnophobia).

Most health experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults. Consistent lack of sleep is linked to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Dopamine plays a key role in the brain's reward system, influencing motivation, pleasure, and learning. Imbalances are linked to conditions like addiction and Parkinson's disease.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry about various things, even when there is little or no reason to worry.

Physical exercise releases endorphins, natural chemicals that reduce pain and boost pleasure. Regular exercise is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly occurring in fall and winter when daylight hours decrease.

Stress is the body's natural response to demands or threats. While short-term stress can be helpful, chronic stress can negatively impact both physical and mental health.

Bipolar disorder involves dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, alternating between manic episodes (high energy) and depressive episodes (low energy).

Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to work. It includes feelings of cynicism, detachment, and reduced accomplishment.

Research consistently shows that strong social connections and supportive relationships are protective factors against depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in older adults.