COMMON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS:

Depression:
  Symptoms: persistent low mood (>2 weeks), loss of interest, fatigue,
            sleep disturbance, appetite change, poor concentration,
            feelings of worthlessness, recurrent thoughts of death
  Treatment: CBT, antidepressants (SSRIs), lifestyle changes, therapy

Anxiety Disorders:
  GAD: excessive worry about everyday things, muscle tension, restlessness
  Panic Disorder: sudden intense fear, palpitations, chest pain, derealization
  Social Anxiety: fear of judgment, avoidance of social situations
  Treatment: CBT, exposure therapy, SSRIs/SNRIs, relaxation techniques

Bipolar Disorder:
  Manic episode: elevated mood, decreased sleep, grandiosity, risky behaviour
  Depressive episode: same as depression
  Treatment: mood stabilisers (lithium), CBT, psychoeducation

PTSD:
  After traumatic event: flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance
  Treatment: trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, SSRIs

MHFA ACTION PLAN (ALGEE):
  A — Approach, Assess, Assist in crisis
  L — Listen non-judgementally
  G — Give support and information
  E — Encourage professional help
  E — Encourage self-help and other support strategies

ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS:
  Give full attention — put away distractions
  Reflect back: "It sounds like you're feeling..."
  Use open questions: "Can you tell me more about that?"
  Validate: "That sounds really difficult"
  Do NOT: minimise, give unsolicited advice, compare to others
  Do NOT say: "Cheer up", "It could be worse", "Just think positive"

CRISIS SIGNS:
  Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
  Looking for ways to commit suicide
  Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
  Increased substance use
  Withdrawing from social contact
  Extreme mood swings

SUICIDE INTERVENTION — ASK:
  Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
  Listen: without judgment, let them talk
  Keep safe: remove means if possible, stay with them
  Connect: to professional help — iCall (India): 9152987821
           Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 (India 24/7)

ALGEE: Approach | Listen | Give support | Encourage professional | Encourage self-help
DEPRESSION: persistent low mood >2 weeks + 4+ other symptoms
ANXIETY: GAD | Panic | Social — CBT is first-line treatment for all
ASK DIRECTLY about suicide — asking does not plant the idea
CRISIS HELPLINES India: iCall 9152987821 | Vandrevala 1860-2662-345 (24/7)
ACTIVE LISTENING: reflect, validate, open questions — do NOT minimise