Understanding common mental health symptoms
Most people first notice a mental health problem as a symptom, such as racing thoughts, panic, poor sleep or low mood, long before anyone gives it a name. Each guide below explains what the symptom can feel like, what may lie behind it, what you can try yourself and when to see a doctor. Every guide is medically reviewed by our consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Deepak Verma (MD Psychiatry).
Need help urgently?
Please call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24×7, many Indian languages) or 112, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you can, tell someone you trust and stay with them. You can also call us on +91 99711 66040 during clinic hours to arrange an urgent consultation. Headspace Mind Clinic is an outpatient clinic and not an emergency service.
Thoughts, worry and fear
Thoughts that go round in circles, how to stop them, and when to get help
A constant feeling that something will go wrong
Sudden waves of fear with a racing heart: what to do and how it is treated
Mood and emotions
Low mood, emptiness or numbness that does not go away
Ups and downs that feel out of control, and when it may be bipolar
Snapping at people, impatience and a short fuse
Frequent outbursts and how to manage them
Struggling to start or finish things, and why it is not laziness
Sleep, memory and focus
Trouble falling asleep, waking at night or waking too early
Forgetfulness: common causes and when to get checked
Can’t focus? Causes beyond ADHD and how to improve it
Perception and unusual experiences
Seeing, hearing or feeling things others do not: causes beyond schizophrenia
Voices when no one is speaking: causes, coping and support
Safety and support
Help is available now: Tele-MANAS 14416 or 112
Understanding self-harm and finding support, without judgement
Looking for a condition rather than a symptom? Read about our psychiatry service in Delhi.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Deepak Verma (MBBS, MD Psychiatry; DMC Reg. No. 37616). Last reviewed: 15 November 2026.
Medical disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Reading this page or using the self-check does not create a doctor–patient relationship with Dr. Deepak Verma or Headspace Mind Clinic. Please consult a qualified doctor about any symptom, diagnosis or treatment, and do not start, stop or change any medicine without talking to the doctor who prescribed it. Do not ignore professional advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read here. Symptoms, causes and responses to treatment differ from person to person, and no particular result is promised. Links to other websites are given for reference only, and we are not responsible for their content. If you think you or someone else may be facing a medical or mental health emergency, call 112, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24×7) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.