🧠 ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
What it is:
ADHD affects how a person focuses, pays attention, and controls impulses.
It can make it hard to sit still, listen, or finish tasks.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Finds it hard to focus or listen for long
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May interrupt or talk a lot
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Forgetful or easily distracted
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Feels restless or fidgety
How it affects people:
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Can cause problems at school, work, or home
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May affect friendships
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Can make the person feel frustrated or tired
Support and Treatment:
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Talk to a doctor or mental health professional
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Medication may help some people
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Therapy or coaching can support routines and focus
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Extra help in school or work settings
How others can help:
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Be patient and give gentle reminders
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Help set routines and clear goals
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Offer short, simple instructions
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Praise effort and progress, not just results
Where to get help:
🌐 Mind – ADHD
🌐 CHADD (US)
📞 Talk to your GP or local health service
Symbol idea: ⚡ Lightning bolt or bouncing ball
🚪 Agoraphobia
What it is:
A strong fear of being in places where escape might be hard or where help might not be available.
People may avoid crowds, public transport, or even leaving home.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Panic or fear in open or crowded places
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Avoids shops, transport, or social events
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Feels safer at home
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Physical signs like sweating, shaking, or a fast heartbeat
How it affects people:
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Can make leaving the house very difficult
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May lead to loneliness or depression
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Everyday activities become stressful
Support and Treatment:
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Talking therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
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Gradual exposure to feared places with support
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Medication can help reduce anxiety
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Online or telephone counselling
How others can help:
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Offer calm, understanding support
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Go with them to appointments or shops if asked
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Don’t pressure them – take small steps together
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Encourage seeking professional help
Where to get help:
🌐 Mind – Phobias
🌐 NHS – Agoraphobia
Symbol idea: 🚪 Doorway or safe space icon
🍽️ Anorexia Nervosa
What it is:
An eating disorder where a person tries to keep their weight very low.
They may have a strong fear of gaining weight and see their body differently from how it is.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Eats very little or skips meals
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Worries a lot about weight and body shape
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Exercises too much
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Feels tired, cold, or dizzy
How it affects people:
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Can harm the body and cause health problems
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Affects mood, thinking, and confidence
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Can be life-threatening without support
Support and Treatment:
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Talk to a GP, therapist, or dietitian
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Family and talking therapy can help
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Inpatient or hospital care if needed
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Support groups for recovery
How others can help:
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Avoid comments about food or weight
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Be kind, listen, and encourage professional help
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Celebrate non-food achievements
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Be patient — recovery takes time
Where to get help:
🌐 Mind – Eating Problems
🌐 Beat – Eating Disorders Support
📞 Samaritans: 116 123
Symbol idea: 🍎 Food or heart symbol
☁️ Anxiety Disorders
What it is:
Anxiety is when fear, worry, or panic become too strong or happen too often.
It includes conditions like Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Feels nervous, tense, or shaky
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Trouble sleeping or concentrating
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Fast heartbeat or sweating
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Worries a lot about everyday things
How it affects people:
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Can stop people doing things they enjoy
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May affect school, work, or relationships
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Can lead to panic attacks
Support and Treatment:
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Talking therapy (CBT or counselling)
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Relaxation, breathing, and grounding techniques
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Medication may help
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Support from others is important
How others can help:
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Listen without judging
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Help them take things slowly
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Offer to go with them to new places
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Be calm and patient
Where to get help:
🌐 Mind – Anxiety and Panic Attacks
🌐 Anxiety UK
📞 Samaritans: 116 123
Symbol idea: ☁️ Cloud or heart symbol
🧩 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What it is:
Autism affects how people understand the world, communicate, and connect with others.
Every autistic person is different — some need a lot of support, others only a little.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Finds social rules and communication tricky
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Likes routines and familiar places
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Sensitive to lights, sounds, or textures
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May have strong interests or hobbies
How it affects people:
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Social or noisy settings can be stressful
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May need time to process information
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Can bring strengths like honesty, focus, and creativity
Support and Treatment:
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Speech and occupational therapy
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Autism-friendly education or workplace support
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Clear routines and visual schedules
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Emotional and social support
How others can help:
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Give extra time to think and respond
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Use clear, simple language
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Be patient with routines or differences
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Focus on strengths, not struggles
Where to get help:
🌐 National Autistic Society (UK)
🌐 Autism Speaks (US)
📞 Local autism support organisations or advocacy groups
Symbol idea: 🧩 Puzzle piece or rainbow infinity symbol
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