Mental health is a very important part of our life. It affects how we think, feel, and act. If someone has a mental disorder, it means their mind is not working in a healthy way. It can affect school, work, relationships, and even sleep.
In this guide, we will talk about many types of mental disorders. We will explain each one in easy words so that anyone—even a young student—can understand. We will also learn about serious mental illness, substance use problems, and sleep disorders.
Let’s begin our journey to understand the human mind better.
What Is a Mental Disorder?
A mental disorder is a health problem that changes how a person thinks, feels, or behaves. It can make life harder and stop people from doing normal things like studying, working, or making friends.
Mental disorders are common. Many people go through them at some point in their life. But the good news is—they can be treated, and people can feel better.
Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
Mental health means feeling good in your mind. It means you can handle stress, work properly, and enjoy life.
Mental illness is when your mental health is not good. It causes problems in thinking, mood, or behavior that don’t go away easily.
Example:
Feeling sad after a fight is normal.
But feeling sad every day for weeks might be depression, a mental illness.
Common Mental Health Disorders
Let’s now look at some of the most common mental disorders.
1. Anxiety Disorders
People with anxiety feel scared, nervous, or worried all the time, even when there is no real danger.
Types include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Worrying too much about many things.
Panic Disorder – Sudden, strong fear with chest pain, sweating, or shortness of breath.
Phobias – Strong fear of certain things like heights, spiders, or flying.
Social Anxiety – Fear of being judged by others.
2. Depressive Disorders
This means feeling very sad, empty, or tired for many days.
Types:
Major Depression – Deep sadness and no interest in anything for at least two weeks.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – Long-lasting low mood for two years or more.
3. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes big changes in mood:
Very happy and full of energy (mania)
Then very sad and slow (depression)
These mood changes can last days or weeks.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD has:
Obsessions: unwanted thoughts that keep coming.
Compulsions: actions done again and again to feel safe (like washing hands many times).
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD happens after a scary or painful event like an accident, war, or abuse. People may:
Relive the event in dreams.
Feel always afraid or angry.
Avoid places or people related to the event.
6. Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
This is a serious illness. It can make people:
See or hear things that are not real.
Think in strange or confused ways.
Talk in ways that are hard to understand.
7. Eating Disorders
These disorders are about food, eating, and body image.
Types include:
Anorexia Nervosa – Not eating enough due to fear of weight gain.
Bulimia Nervosa – Eating a lot, then forcing it out by vomiting or pills.
Binge-Eating Disorder – Eating too much in one sitting without control.
Some people may also develop obesity due to emotional eating or other mental health reasons.
8. Personality Disorders
People with these disorders have unusual thoughts or behaviors that make relationships hard.
Common types:
Borderline Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
9. Neurodevelopmental Disorders
These begin in childhood and affect learning or behavior.
Examples:
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – Hard to focus, sit still, or follow instructions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Trouble with communication or social skills.
10. Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders
Somatic Symptom Disorder – Feeling physical pain or sickness without a clear body problem.
Dissociative Disorders – Feeling disconnected from reality, memory loss, or identity confusion.
Substance-Related Disorders
These happen when people use drugs or alcohol in harmful ways.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Drinking too much, too often.
Hard to stop even if it causes problems at home, work, or school.
Opioid Use Disorder
Using painkillers or heroin often.
Can cause addiction and breathing issues.
Amphetamine Use Disorder
Drugs like meth make people hyper.
Over time, it damages the brain and heart.
Cocaine Use Disorder
Cocaine makes people feel powerful but harms the body and mind.
Hallucinogen Use Disorder (Including Marijuana)
Drugs like LSD, marijuana, or magic mushrooms can make people see or hear things that aren’t real.
Sleep Disorders (Mental-Related)
Sleep problems are common with mental illness. Let’s explore them in detail.
Insomnia
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Hypersomnia
Feeling sleepy all the time, even after sleeping long.
Nightmares
Scary dreams that disturb sleep.
Sleep Walking (Somnambulism)
Getting out of bed and walking during sleep.
Sleep Talking
Speaking during sleep without knowing.
Enuresis
Bedwetting, mostly in children, but sometimes in adults too.
Breath-Related Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea – Breathing stops for short times while sleeping.
Difficulty Falling Asleep Initially – Lying in bed without sleep for a long time.
Difficulty Staying Asleep – Waking up again and again.
Early Morning Awakening – Waking up very early and not sleeping again.
Narcolepsy and Related Issues
Narcolepsy – Falling asleep suddenly during the day.
Cataplexy – Sudden muscle weakness during strong emotions like laughter or anger.
Parasomnia Disorders
Night Terrors (Sleep Terror Disorder) – Screaming during sleep without waking up fully.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders – Body wants to sleep at the wrong time (e.g., day instead of night).
Top 20 Mental Disorders (Table)
| Disorder Name | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Too much fear or worry |
| Depression | Deep sadness |
| Bipolar | Mood swings |
| PTSD | Stress after trauma |
| OCD | Repeating thoughts/actions |
| Schizophrenia | Seeing or hearing unreal things |
| Eating Disorders | Food-related problems |
| Obesity (Psych) | Overeating due to emotions |
| ADHD | Hard to focus or sit still |
| Autism | Trouble with social skills |
| Dissociation | Feeling detached |
| Alcohol Use | Drinking too much |
| Opioid Use | Painkiller addiction |
| Cocaine Use | Cocaine addiction |
| Hallucinogen Use | Seeing unreal things |
| Insomnia | Can’t sleep |
| Narcolepsy | Sleep attacks |
| Enuresis | Bedwetting |
| Sleep Apnea | Breathing stops in sleep |
| Cataplexy | Body goes weak suddenly |
What Is Serious Mental Illness (SMI)?
Some mental disorders are more serious than others. These are called Serious Mental Illnesses (SMIs). They:
Last a long time.
Cause big problems in work, family, and life.
Need strong support and treatment.
Examples of SMI:
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Major depression with suicidal thoughts
Causes of Mental Illness
Mental illness doesn’t happen for one reason. Many things play a role.
1. Brain Chemistry
If brain chemicals are not balanced, it can lead to problems in mood and thinking.
2. Genes and Family History
If your parents or close relatives had mental illness, you may also have a higher chance.
3. Trauma and Stress
Bad experiences like abuse, bullying, or death of a loved one can hurt mental health.
4. Alcohol and Drugs
Using too much alcohol or drugs changes the brain and can cause or worsen mental illness.
Treatments for Mental Disorders
Mental disorders can be treated. People can live a happy life with proper care.
1. Therapy (Counseling)
Talking to a trained person helps people understand their thoughts and feelings.
2. Medicines
Doctors may give pills to balance brain chemicals.
3. Support from Family & Community
Kindness, understanding, and support help people recover faster.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental illness is real. It’s not a person’s fault. Like any other illness, it needs care.
We must talk openly, end the shame, and help others. If you see someone struggling, don’t judge. Offer help. Sometimes, a kind word can save a life.
Final Words from Sajid Ali
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Now that you know the different types of mental disorders, you can better understand others—and maybe even yourself.
Never be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone.
Help is real. Healing is possible.
Let’s take care of our minds, together.
M.Phil in Psychology from UET Lahore, Sajid Ali shares clear, research-based insights on mental health, emotions, and social behavior in simple English.