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Free Australian health advice you can count on
Medical problem? Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 . If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero (000) immediately. healthdirect is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.
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Mental health conditions
A mental health condition is a type of disease that can affect your thoughts, mood and behaviour. While many people may experience times of ‘low’ mood or heightened anxiety, a mental health condition requires diagnosis and treatment by a health professional（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthcare-and-services/roles-and-specialties/mental-health-professionals）.
Mental health conditions can have a large impact on a person’s quality of life, self-esteem and relationships. Learn more about mental health conditions, their symptoms and treatment using the links below.
If you’re worried about your mental health, use the healthdirect Symptom Checker（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker） to find out if you need to see a doctor. The Service Finder（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services） can help you find mental health professionals in your area.
Agoraphobia（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/agoraphobia）
Agoraphobia is a fear of panicking in situations that aren’t easy to leave. It can impact your ability to work or socialise with friends and family.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/agoraphobia）
Antisocial personality disorder（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder）
People with antisocial personality disorder are sometimes called 'psychopaths'. They tend to disregard the law or other people's rights.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder）
Anxiety conditions（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-related-disorders）
Anxiety can help us remain alert and be ready for challenges, but for 1 in 8 Australians, anxiety is a disorder that can impact everyday life.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-related-disorders）
Avoidant personality disorder（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/avoidant-personality-disorder）
Avoidant personality disorder is a mental health disorder. People with AVPD seem shy and fear rejection. You may have trouble with jobs and friends.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/avoidant-personality-disorder）
Bipolar disorder（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/bipolar-disorder）
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition where you have periods of depression and mania. Read about bipolar disorder symptoms and treatment.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/bipolar-disorder）
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder-bpd）
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects thoughts and behaviours, making it difficult to cope. Explore symptoms, treatment and diagnosis.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder-bpd）
Claustrophobia（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/claustrophobia）
People with claustrophobia feel anxious in enclosed spaces. If you have claustrophobia, symptoms can feel overwhelming. Read on for treatment options.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/claustrophobia）
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/complex-ptsd）
Complex PTSD, or CPTSD, is a mental health condition. It can develop in people who have experienced long-term trauma, particularly in childhood.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/complex-ptsd）
Depression（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression）
Depression is a common condition, affecting how you feel, think and act. It's often treatable and likely to improve with a doctor's support.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression）
Depression in children（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-children）
If your child has symptoms of depression that affect the way they think feel and behave, seek professional help as soon as possible.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-children）
Depression in men（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-men）
Men who experience depression may find it hard to discuss, because of societal pressures. Learn about how you can support a man with depression.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-men）
Depression in older people（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-older-people）
Older people are less likely than younger people to report depression, but it's important you recognise and get support for mental health concerns.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-older-people）
Depression in women（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-women）
Depression is a serious mental health condition affecting how you think, feel and behave. It is more common in women than men for a range of reasons.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-women）
Depression in young people（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-young-people）
Signs of depression in young people include changes in how they think, feel or behave, and physical changes. Get tips on how to seek help.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/depression-in-young-people）
Dissociative identity disorder (DID)（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/dissociative-identity-disorder）
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is also known as multiple personality disorder. It is when a person feels like they have more than one identity.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/dissociative-identity-disorder）
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder-gad）
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by persistent worry that impacts on day-to-day life.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder-gad）
Histrionic personality disorder（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/histrionic-personality-disorder）
People with histrionic personality disorder (HPD) often seem very dramatic and need to be the centre of attention. Read on symptoms and treatment.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/histrionic-personality-disorder）
Hoarding disorder（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/hoarding-disorder）
Hoarding disorder is more than just collecting; it involves persistent difficulty and distress in getting rid of things, leading to chaos and clutter.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/hoarding-disorder）
Hypochondria（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/hypochondria）
People with hypochondria worry about their health, even when nothing is seriously wrong. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/hypochondria）
Melancholia (melancholic depression)（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/melancholia）
Melancholia is a type of major depression also called melancholic depression. Symptoms include profound low mood, lack of enjoyment and sleep problems.
Learn more（https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/mental-health-conditions/melancholia）