---
id:"kb-2026-00377"
title:"Mental Health Basics"
schema_type:"TechArticle"
category:"health"
language:"en"
confidence:"high"
last_verified:"2026-05-22"
generation_method:"ai_assisted"
ai_models:["claude-opus"]
derived_from_human_seed:true
primary_sources:
  - title:"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)"
    type:"standard"
    year:2022
    url:"https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm"
    institution:"American Psychiatric Association"
secondary_sources:
  - title: "MDN Web Docs — HTTP"
    type: "documentation"
    year: 2026
    url: "https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP"
    institution: "Mozilla"
completeness: 0.88
ai_citations:
  last_citation_check:"2026-05-22"
---

## TL;DR

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Common conditions: anxiety disorders (most common, 19% of adults), depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia (~1%). Treatment: psychotherapy (CBT, DBT), medication, lifestyle changes. Early intervention improves outcomes. Mental health is health — no stigma.

## Core Explanation

Anxiety: excessive worry, physical symptoms (racing heart, sweating). Depression: persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue — leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO). CBT: identifies and changes negative thought patterns. SSRIs: most prescribed antidepressants (increase serotonin). Therapy works: ~75% benefit from psychotherapy. Lifestyle: exercise, sleep, social connection, mindfulness protect mental health. Crisis: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US).

## Further Reading

- [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)](https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm)