Nurses, providers and the internet use words like ADHD, depression and anxiety all the time, but rarely explain them. This free hub does, in plain language.
One idea runs through all of it: having some symptoms doesn't mean you have a disorder.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Start here
A symptom is not a diagnosis.
A symptom
Something you notice, like poor sleep, worry or trouble focusing. Almost everyone has some of these at times.
A disorder
A pattern: several symptoms that last, show up together and get in the way of work, school, relationships or daily life.
The difference
Only a full evaluation with a qualified clinician can tell the two apart. A checklist or a video can't.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Topics
Common terms, explained.
Video coming soonADHD
ADHD
ADHD is a difference in how the brain manages attention, activity and impulses, and it starts in childhood even when it is first noticed in adulthood. Everyone loses focus or misplaces things sometimes, especially when tired or stressed. Clinicians look for a long-standing pattern, in more than one part of life, that causes real problems at work, school or home. Poor sleep, anxiety, depression and stress can look a lot like ADHD, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonDepression
Depression
Sadness after a loss or a hard week is a normal human response. Depression is different: low mood or loss of interest most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, often with changes in sleep, appetite, energy or concentration. It is common, and it is not a personal weakness. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 right away.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonAnxiety
Anxiety
Anxiety is the body's alarm system, and it is useful when it fires at real danger. It becomes a problem when worry or fear is out of proportion, hard to control and lasts for months, or when panic attacks or avoidance start shaping your life. A racing heart, tight chest or upset stomach can all be part of anxiety, but new chest symptoms should always be checked by a medical provider.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonBipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder involves distinct mood episodes, not just moods that shift during a day. People have periods of depression and also periods of unusually high or irritable mood, with more energy, less need for sleep, racing thoughts or risky choices, lasting days at a time. Being moody, or having good days and bad days, is not the same thing. A clear history over time, often with input from people who know you well, helps tell the difference.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonSchizophrenia and psychosis
Schizophrenia and psychosis
Psychosis means losing some contact with shared reality, such as hearing or seeing things others don't, or holding fixed beliefs that don't fit the evidence. It is a symptom with many possible causes, including severe sleep loss, substances, medical conditions and mood disorders. Schizophrenia is one long-term condition where psychosis happens, and it is diagnosed only after symptoms last for months. Getting help early is linked to better outcomes, so new symptoms are worth having checked promptly.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonMood disorders
Mood disorders
Mood disorders is the umbrella term for conditions where mood itself is the main problem, including depressive and bipolar disorders. Mood normally shifts with sleep, stress, hormones, seasons and life events. A mood disorder is considered when changes last, feel stronger than the situation explains and get in the way of daily life. Tracking your mood, sleep and energy for a few weeks can make a conversation with a clinician much clearer.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonStress and burnout
Stress and burnout
Stress is the body's response to demands, and short bursts of it can help you focus. Burnout is a pattern from long-term stress, often at work or in caregiving, that shows up as exhaustion, feeling detached or cynical, and getting less done. Burnout is not a medical diagnosis on its own, but it can overlap with depression and anxiety. Rest, boundaries and support help, and it is worth talking to someone if things aren't improving.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Video coming soonSleep
Sleep
A rough night now and then is normal. Ongoing trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking unrefreshed, at least three nights a week for months, is called insomnia and is very common. Sleep and mental health affect each other: poor sleep can worsen mood, focus and anxiety, and those can disrupt sleep. Loud snoring, gasping at night or heavy daytime sleepiness should be checked by a medical provider.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Everyday basics
Small habits that support your mind.
Keep a steady sleep window
Go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, weekends included.
Move most days
A walk counts. Choose movement you can keep doing.
Get outside
Daylight, especially in the morning, helps set your body clock. Even 10 minutes helps.
Stay connected
A call, a text or a walk with someone you trust is good for mood.
Ease off late caffeine and screens
Stop caffeine by early afternoon and dim screens in the last hour before bed.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.
Community challenge
100 Trees
Journal under 100 different trees. One tree at a time, at your own pace.
01
Find a tree
Sit or stand under a tree you haven't journaled under yet and write for a few minutes.
02
Identify it
Learn its name. Bark, leaves and needles are good clues.
03
Post and tag us
Share a photo of the tree and tag us so we can cheer you on.
Privacy first. Share only a general area, like a city or park. Never post your home or exact location, and never share health details publicly.
Educational only, not therapy, diagnosis or medical advice. Not emergency care: call or text 988 or call 911.