A-Z Mental Health Conditions and Topics

Pandemics, disasters (e.g. hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes) and related emergencies cause incredible mental health stress.

This section lists MENTAL HEALTH organizations and services which have special services for times of pandemics, disasters and related emergencies. 

This is NOT a comprehensive listing of all the other types of organizations and services that might be found elsewhere during a disaster, e.g. Red Cross, WHO, etc., but is more focused on mental health services.

"Addictions" refers to problems using drugs or alcohol or other problem behaviours. Gambling can also be addictive and can cause severe financial, emotional, and relationship problems.

Alcohol problems result when a person drinks too much, to the point that it causes problems, such as problems with health, relationships and work. 

We all get angry from time to time. If we deal with anger in a healthy way, it helps us realize that something may be wrong and that perhaps something needs to change. But if our anger gets too severe, and we deal with it in an unhealthy way that causes problems at home, work or school, then it may be time to get some help in dealing with it.

Developmental delay is where a child has slowed or impaired development. Developmental disability where the developmental delay results in problems with intellectual or adaptive function. Many different conditions can cause developmental delay or disability. The term Intellectual Delay/Disability is often used with the same meaning.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention-deficit disorder (ADD) are conditions where individuals have extreme problems with inattention and distractibility, to the point that it causes problems with school, home or relationships. Individuals with ADHD also have hyperactivity (troubles sitting still, fidgeting) and impulsivity (acting without thinking first).

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of worry, unease or apprehension. The physical symptoms that accompany these feelings include heart palpitations, trembling, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. Anxiety may be associated with specific situations, events or objects. In some cases, medical problems can lead to symptoms of anxiety.

Selective mutism is a severe childhood anxiety disorder where a child is ‘mute' (unable to speak) in certain situations such as school. It is ‘selective', because the mutism usually doesn't occur in all situations. In situations where the child feels relaxed, like at home or with close friends and family, the child may be able to speak normally.

Separation anxiety is a type of anxiety where people feel unsafe when separated from person(s) (typically parents or caregivers) or place(s) (typically their home) that help them feel safe. They feel unsafe or not capable of managing when separated from their safe person(s) or place(s). 

Social anxiety disorder (aka social phobia) is a condition where individuals have extreme shyness, to the point where it causes problems in a person's life. While some degree of shyness is normal, individuals with social anxiety have such extreme shyness that it actually causes problems in a person's social life, relationships, school or work. The good news is that there are many specific strategies as well as therapy that can help a person improve their social anxiety. 

Trichotillomania is a condition where individuals feel an irresistible urge to pull their hair. Fortunately, effective treatment exists. These may involve cognitive behaviour therapy and/or medications. Individuals should seek out a family physician or psychologist for help with this condition.

Many terms – including autism spectrum and pervasive developmental disorders – are used to describe a group of disorders that inhibit the development of communication and socialization skills. In some children the disorder may also affect the development of fine and gross motor ability. It may range from being severe on one end, with the severely autistic child who is developmentally delayed and who is unable to function independently, to an individual with Asperger Syndrome who has difficulties with social function but who otherwise functions well intellectually and at work.