Mental health literacy is a term used to describe a person’s ability to obtain, understand and use information in ways that promote and maintain good mental health.

Research has shown that levels of mental health literacy in Northern Ireland are generally poor and that few people consider mental health to be a major health problem. People also think that they have more control over their physical health than their mental health.

Given that at least one in five people in Northern Ireland may experience problems that affect their mental health it is useful for us to be aware of and able to recognise some of the symptoms associated with a number of mental health disorders.

Information on a number of mental health disorders has been provided in response to website user comments. However, it is not a substitute for talking to your doctor or healthcare professional if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health.