Definition
Mental illness is a medical condition which involves around the state of our mental well-being. It can significantly affect the daily life of individuals as it impacts their cognition, emotional regulation and/or behavior.
Everyone can be affected from mental illnesses regardless of backgrounds, gender, age, religion or any other aspect of identity. However, mental disorders are increasingly being recognized at a young age, often developing in teenage/young adult years.
Symptoms and stages
Mental illnesses can be categorized into stages depending on severity (mild, moderate, severe). Symptoms are typically stress, loss of motivation, fear and anxiety, mood changes, withdrawal, trouble sleeping and guilt.
Treatment and recovery
Treatments are available and help individuals to cope and recover. Common types are therapy and medications, differencing depending on severity, risks, benefits and symptoms. Severely affected ones may need to receive medical treatments in form of hospitality in a psychiatric clinic which includes counseling, group discussions and other treatment.
Although mental health has been more and more prioritized over the last years, it is still common that many of the affected ones do not have access to treatments because of social stigma and lack of awareness.
Sources
World Health Organization, (30.09.2025), ‘Mental disorders’, World Health Organization
American Psychiatric Association, (July 2025), ‘What is Mental Illness?’, American Psychiatric Association