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4 unusual symptoms of dehydration
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4 unusual symptoms of dehydration

Without enough fluids, people would struggle to get through their day. Dehydration directly results from the body losing more fluids than it takes in. Some leading causes of dehydration include certain health conditions, excessive sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dehydration commonly manifests itself in people through some typical symptoms, such as dry mouth disorder, cramps, or losing consciousness. However, there are some unusual symptoms of this condition as well, including: Itchiness A lack of fluids makes the skin dry and jagged over some time. This directly causes itching and, by extension, red rashes on the skin over a short while. Although it is not the most common indicator, dry and itchy skin are clear cues that one needs to consume fluids to restore their body’s hydration levels. Bad breath One of the common uses of saliva is its ability to keep the mouth wet and lubricated. Healthcare experts usually recommend people drink water to keep their salivary glands constantly stimulated and their mouths perpetually hydrated. Apart from lubrication, a person’s saliva also has vital anti-bacterial properties. When people do not consume enough water or other fluids, bacteria can grow on and around the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Over time, this growth of bacteria results in bad breath in individuals.
5 household items that can increase the risk of cancer
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5 household items that can increase the risk of cancer

From cleaning supplies to food storage containers, did you know that many daily-use household items have been linked with cancer? However, it can be challenging to avoid these products, making it essential to consider the compounds they comprise, know the potential risk factors, and steps to be taken for safety. To begin with, it is vital to acquaint yourself with this list of household items that have been linked with cancer to avoid adverse effects. Cleaning products Benzene and formaldehyde are common compounds in cleaning products and these have also often been linked with cancer. They can be present in household items like disinfectants, bleach, and air fresheners. Pesticides Pesticides are commonly used in gardens and on houseplants to control the activity of pests. However, pesticides contain chemicals like glyphosate. It is important to either use natural alternatives or use these chemicals with caution to avoid the harmful effects of this carcinogenic compound. Canned foods Bisphenol-A or BPA is a commonly found chemical in canned goods. This compound that lines most canned foods is associated with cancer. It is advised that people choose frozen or fresh produce instead of canned ones. If that is not possible, look for canned foods with a BPA-free label on them.
6 urinating mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder
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6 urinating mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

Looking for “ways to live a healthy lifestyle” is among the most common online searches today. And yet a topic rarely spoken of is bladder health. The organ is responsible for storing urine and flushing it out of the body several times each day. However, several factors, like age and urinating habits, among others, may affect bladder health. Although one cannot control all factors, there are some common mistakes one can avoid to keep the bladder healthy. Holding it in for long periods Holding in urine for extended periods is sometimes unavoidable, especially if one is at the movies, a concert, or during long car rides. However, making it a habit for much longer than needed could trigger other problems, including urinary infections. A full bladder is susceptible to bacterial infections, so one shouldn’t hold it in for too long. Pressurizing muscles when urinating An individual who applies pressure on the muscles around their bladder while urinating may suffer from adverse effects such as cloudy or bloody urine, pain around the pelvis, and the need to pass urine more often. It is imperative for men and women to be in a relaxed position while urinating. Not emptying the bladder Many people tend to urinate in a rush.
6 alarming signs of esophageal cancer
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6 alarming signs of esophageal cancer

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When one swallows food, it enters the esophagus and is pushed downward by rhythmic contractions of the muscles in the esophageal wall. The normal esophagus cells grow and replace old ones in a regulated and orderly manner. But when esophageal cancer develops, the cells grow and divide uncontrollably and form a tumor. Esophageal cancer is malignant and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing An alarming early sign of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, the organ’s primary function. This may feel like food is getting stuck in one’s throat or chest, and it can happen even when taking small bites of food or liquid. This symptom can also lead to choking, coughing, or regurgitation of food. Chest pain or discomfort Esophageal cancer can cause chest pain or discomfort, especially when eating or drinking. The pain may feel like a burning sensation in one’s chest or upper abdomen and can be confused with heartburn or indigestion. Unexplained loss of body mass Cancer can affect one’s ability to eat and absorb nutrients. So, if one seems to lose body mass without trying, it could be a sign of esophageal cancer.
4 breathing errors to avoid for healthy lungs
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4 breathing errors to avoid for healthy lungs

Respiration is a vital function for survival, but certain breathing habits can significantly affect lung health. The body has a natural defense system to prevent dirt, germs, and bacteria from entering the lungs, and the right practices can help you maintain optimal function. Further, you can take a few important steps to lower the risk of respiratory issues. So, here are common breathing mistakes to avoid for maintaining lung health: Shallow breathing Shallow breathing, or chest breathing, is a common error that involves taking quick, short breaths that only fill the top portion of the lungs. As a result, the lungs do not get enough oxygen, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even anxiety. To avoid shallow breathing, practice diaphragmatic breathing, i.e., taking deep breaths that fill your belly with air. First, inhale slowly through the nose, with one hand on the belly and the other on your chest, and feel your belly rise with each breath. Then, exhale slowly through the mouth and repeat for several minutes. Holding your breath Another common mistake you can make, especially when exercising, is holding your breath. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the lungs, increasing the risk of fatigue, dizziness, and even fainting.
6 mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder
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6 mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

As unassumingly simple as it may seem, there is a wrong way to pee! Making common peeing mistakes can impact bladder health and make one more susceptible to microbial infections, loss of bladder control, or urinary incontinence. That is why it is important to be aware and make certain lifestyle changes to improve one’s health. Here are six of the most common peeing mistakes one should avoid for a healthy bladder: Holding the pee in for too long Sometimes, one may need to hold their pee for too long at concerts or on long drives. However, making it a habit can cause urinary infections. Since urine isn’t sterile, holding it in for too long gives the bacteria a chance to grow and multiply, increasing the chances of infection. It can also cause a lack of bladder control over time. Not fully emptying the bladder when peeing Not fully emptying the bladder can also increase the risk of infections and loss of bladder control. This is also known as urinary retention. Blockages, infections, swelling, and neurological conditions may cause urinary retention and may warrant expert intervention. Increasing intake of caffeine Caffeine is a bladder irritant that increases the urge to pee.
6 common breathing mistakes to steer clear of
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6 common breathing mistakes to steer clear of

Breathing is an essential function that occurs naturally and effortlessly. It is automatically monitored and regulated by the body and does not require constant intervention. However, many significant circulatory and metabolic functions depend on respiration. So, one must occasionally analyze how they breathe and look for irregularities. Experts have identified a few mistakes people make that affect their breathing and respiratory function. Individuals should avoid these breathing mistakes as far as possible. Breathing through the mouth It is common for people to inhale from their mouths without even realizing it. However, experts suggest breathing using the nasal passage. This passage has filters that clear out debris and allergens and humidify the air before it enters the lungs. Getting anxious about breathing Some people closely monitor every breath they take. Respiration is a process closely regulated by the body and requires no major intervention. Therefore, breathing should be monitored only when one experiences respiratory problems like shortness of breath or chest pain. Not using the diaphragm The best way to absorb oxygen is by using the diaphragm muscle located above the stomach. The American Lung Association recommends this technique as it creates negative pressure in the chest and enhances airflow. With training, it is possible to use the diaphragm for regular breathing.
5 concerning signs of headaches
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5 concerning signs of headaches

Headaches can be a common problem and a sign of health conditions. The pain can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or a lack of quality sleep. However, certain headache symptoms can indicate bigger, more serious health conditions such as migraine or diabetes. Such symptoms must be taken seriously as, if left unchecked, they could pose health risks. Here are a few headache signs that could be a result of underlying health conditions: Pain behind or around the eye Headaches are closely linked to vision problems. If a person experiencing headaches also senses sharp pain in and around their eye, they may be affected by acute glaucoma. In this condition, there is a pressure buildup in the eye, and eventually, the blood flow gets cut off. This is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. So, if one experiences any pain in and around their eyes accompanying a headache, they must consult a local healthcare expert immediately. Neck stiffness Another notable sign of a headache is stiffness and pain in the neck. The stiffness here can be a symptom of meningitis—a bacterial or viral infection that directly affects the membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The subsequent enlargement of these membranes results in neck stiffness, neck pain, and, eventually, headache.
Never ignore these 8 types of pain
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Never ignore these 8 types of pain

Pain is a sensation that everyone has either already experienced or will experience at some point in life. Most pains are harmless and, more often than not, resolve on their own. However, some aches and pains might not go away quickly and would require expert intervention. To be able to identify when the pain is a cause of concern, it is important to learn the body’s cues. Pelvic pain Painful conditions, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can give rise to pelvic pain. Therefore, it is crucial not to ignore severe and persistent pelvic pain, especially when it is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or fever. Neck pain Poor posture, injury, cervical spondylitis, and meningitis are all possible reasons for neck pain. Because of the varying range of severity of these conditions, neck pain is one of the aches and pains that should never be ignored. The condition can get crucial if it is present with headache, fever, or stiffness. Tooth pain Gum disease, cavities, and abscesses can cause tooth pain. If someone experiences persistent tooth pain, it is advisable to seek a dental consult, especially if the pain is in combination with fever, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.
4 signs of esophageal cancer to watch out for
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4 signs of esophageal cancer to watch out for

Our food moves to our digestive system through the esophagus, a long, hollow tube that starts from the throat and ends in the stomach. But when tumors start growing long anywhere along the esophagus, specifically over the cells that line the insides, that’s when esophageal cancer occurs. Its symptoms usually start showing up at later stages. However, certain signs of esophageal cancer can help in early diagnosis. Some of them are: Difficulty while swallowing Difficult swallowing of food and liquids is one of the most prominent signs of esophageal cancer. As the cancerous cells grow slowly, a person finds it difficult to swallow food. The experience is similar to having food stuck in the chest or the throat. In some cases, it may even cause choking. This usually begins as a mild symptom and worsens over time as the lining of the esophagus narrows. Acute pain in the chest In some cases, esophageal cancer may trigger discomfort or pain in the chest. The sudden flare-up of pain usually occurs in the central part of the chest. Sometimes, the pain may be accompanied by a burning sensation or may feel like pressure building up. This type of sign is often reported as a symptom of other health problems, such as heartburn.

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Things you should know about multiple sclerosis
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Things you should know about multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Due to this disorder, your immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective sheath covering the nerve fibers. As a result, communication between your brain and body is hampered. Causes of multiple sclerosis The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain. However, some factors that cause this disorder are as follows: Immune system If the immune system is compromised, it may attack the CNS. The myelin protective sheath is affected, thereby disrupting the functioning of your brain, resulting in multiple sclerosis. Infection Certain viruses and bacteria can cause multiple sclerosis. Some viruses cause inflammation that breaks down the myelin, triggering multiple sclerosis. It is possible that brain-cell-like bacteria and viruses can cause the immune system to erroneously identify normal cells as foreign cells, thereby destroying them. Some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause multiple sclerosis include Epstein-Barr virus, measles viruses, and human herpesvirus-6 causing disorders like roseola. Genetics One can be highly susceptible to multiple sclerosis if one has a family history of this disorder. The possibility of one developing this disorder in such instances increases by 2.5% to 5% in the country.
10 symptoms that indicate pregnancy
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10 symptoms that indicate pregnancy

For women trying to conceive or wondering if they may be pregnant, one of the first signs to watch out for is a missed menstrual cycle. Although several other symptoms can point to the possibility of a pregnancy, it’s always best to visit a doctor for confirmation. Read on to know the common symptoms of pregnancy: Missed period If a woman in childbearing years experiences a delay of over a week in her menstrual cycles, it may indicate pregnancy. That being said, missed or irregular cycles could also be a result of health issues like thyroid problems. So, women should also keep an eye out for the other symptoms mentioned here. Fatigue Being more tired than usual could be an early symptom of pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the progesterone levels in her body rise, which causes her to feel sleepy and tired. Frequent urination During pregnancy, the quantity of blood flowing in a woman’s body increases, causing the kidney to work overtime. This places extra pressure on the bladder and leads to more frequent urges to urinate. Nausea or morning sickness This may be accompanied with or without vomiting, and this pregnancy symptom is also known as morning sickness.
4 common sexual conditions and their symptoms
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4 common sexual conditions and their symptoms

Sexual conditions or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) generally affect a person through sexual contact. STDs are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses, which mainly enter the body through semen, blood, or other bodily fluids. They can enter the body non-sexually too; for instance, an affected person’s blood is used during a transfusion or if they share a needle with a person who has any form of STD. Herein, we discuss the various symptoms of a few sexual conditions. Symptoms STDs may have a range of symptoms or no signs at all. It mainly depends on the type of STD one may have. Here is a list of some common forms of sexual conditions and their symptoms. Chlamydia It is a bacterial infection that affects the genital tract. The symptoms may start to show a few weeks after the exposure. The most common symptoms include painful urination, abdominal pain, discharge from the penis, pain during intercourse for women, and testicular pain. Gonorrhea This is another bacterial infection that affects the genital tract, mouth, eyes, throat, and anus. Sometimes, the symptoms may take 10 days to show, or even months. The common symptoms of gonorrhea are thick or bloody discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation or pain during urination, heavy menstrual bleeding, swollen testicles that pains, painful bowel movements, and anal itching.
Understanding skin problems and some diseases that cause them
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Understanding skin problems and some diseases that cause them

Skin problems are of several types, with varying symptoms and triggers. They don’t always last for a long time, and some skin diseases can be almost painless too, albeit mentally and emotionally traumatizing. As they’re so common, there are well-established treatments for almost all skin diseases. However, there is still a lack of proper knowledge about what can trigger them. Read on to understand the skin issues better. Symptoms There are various symptoms of skin conditions, depending on the type of issue you have. However, you must keep in mind that skin roughness or blisters may not be caused by skin-related issues at all. These can be caused by wearing a new shoe or a rough fabric. Some of the symptoms that are actually caused by skin problems include white or red raised bumps, an itchy or painful rash, rough skin, ulcers, peeling skin, open lesions, cracked and dry skin, fleshy bumps, discolored patches, changes to the mole size or color, warts, excessive flushing, and loss of the skin pigment. Causes The skin problems can be caused by a variety of reasons. The most common ones include bacteria that are trapped in hair follicles or skin pores, microorganisms that are living on your skin, different viruses, weak immunity, coming in contact with irritants or allergens, genetic factors, a variety of illnesses, and certain lifestyle-related factors.
Sleep disorder – Its types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors
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Sleep disorder – Its types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors

Sleep disorder is a medical condition that adversely affects your regular sleeping pattern. It has a direct impact on your health and the quality of sleep. This, in turn, paves the way for several other health problems and makes it difficult for you to go about your day-to-day activities. Types of sleep disorders Insomnia This is a condition in which a person finds it difficult to fall asleep at night or during other hours. Sleep apnea It is a condition in which a person suffers from irregular breathing patterns when they are sleeping. There are different types of sleep apnea. Restless legs syndrome It is a form of sleep disorder that is also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease. It causes an unnatural and discomforting sensation in the legs. You also feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs when you are trying to sleep. Narcolepsy This is a condition in which a person feels tired and sleepy throughout the day. Symptoms of sleep disorder Finding it difficult to sleep A sense of fatigue during the day Feeling a strong urge to sleep during the day even after sleeping for a good number of hours in the night Feeling irritated Suffering from anxiety Not being able to concentrate Suffering from depression Causes of sleep disorder Allergies Different kinds of allergic reactions, like cold and sneezing, make a person uncomfortable while sleeping.

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Symptoms, causes, and risks of peptic ulcer
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Symptoms, causes, and risks of peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer affects about 4.6 million Americans every year. Peptic ulcer results in open sores forming on the upper portion of the small intestine and the inside lining of the stomach. The first one is known as the duodenal ulcer, and the second type is known as a gastric ulcer. Read on to know more about its symptoms, causes, and risks associated with this condition. Symptoms of peptic ulcer If you feel a burning pain in the stomach, then it can be a sign of peptic ulcers, as it is the most common symptom of the disease. The pain can get worse at night or between meals. The acid in your stomach makes it worse. Other than the pain, some other common symptoms of peptic ulcers include feeling bloated or full, intolerance to fatty food, nausea, and heartburn. Apart from these, the other signs may include: Vomiting with the presence of blood Presence of dark blood in the stool Trouble in breathing Feeling faint Nausea Sudden weight loss Change in appetite Taking acid blockers can relieve the pain temporarily. If it keeps coming back, you need to contact your doctor. Causes of peptic ulcer Stomach conditions may have a variety of causes, which is true for peptic ulcers too.
Heart disease – Symptoms, causes, and risk factors
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Heart disease – Symptoms, causes, and risk factors

Several diseases are included under the umbrella term of heart diseases and are also called cardiovascular diseases. They lead to the blood vessels becoming narrow or getting blocked, which, in turn, can result in a heart attack or stroke or cause pain in the chest. Other heart conditions affect the heart’s muscle, rhythm, or valve. Symptoms The symptoms vary according to the condition diagnosed. The symptoms of common cardiovascular diseases are discussed below. Symptoms of atherosclerotic disease Pain in the chest or feeling a sense of tightness or discomfort in the area Shortness of breath Limbs feeling numb or severely cold if the blood vessels have narrowed in the area, as it affects blood circulation Pain in the jaw, back, upper abdomen, or neck Symptoms of abnormality in the heartbeat or arrhythmia Fluttering sensation in the chest Racing or slow heartbeat Discomfort or pain in the chest Feeling dizzy or fainting Light-headedness Symptoms of heart defects or related conditions Skin color turning blue or pale gray Abdominal swelling or swelling in the area surrounding the eyes Shortness of breath while feedings in case of an infant Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy Breathlessness Swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles Feeling a sense of fatigue and dizziness Irregular heartbeat Symptoms related to heart infections Fever Shortness of breath Feeling weak Change in the heart rhythm Persistent cough Skin rashes Causes The causes vary depending on the type of heart disease one is affected with.
Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of immune system disorder
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Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of immune system disorder

The immune system is referred to as the defense system that protects the body against different kinds of diseases. The stronger the immune system, the higher will be the chances of the body staying away from diseases. Suffering from immunodeficiency or immune system disorder is a cause of concern and must be immediately addressed. Symptoms Cold hands If the blood vessels suffer from inflammation, it gets difficult for the ears, toes, fingers, and nose to stay warm. The affected portion of the skin turns white. Slowly, the color changes into blue when these areas are further exposed to some cold object or atmosphere. When the flow of the blood becomes normal, the skin turns back to red. Medical experts refer to this as the Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is one of the most commonly observed symptoms of immune system disorder. Dry eyes When a person is suffering from an autoimmune disorder, his immune system, instead of protecting his body against diseases, attacks it. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common examples of this condition. People who suffer from an autoimmune disorder tend to have dry eyes. The person will feel the presence of some grainy object when this happens.
Common joint conditions and their symptoms and risk factors
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Common joint conditions and their symptoms and risk factors

Joint conditions are commonly associated with increasing age, but they can also be a result of injuries or may develop due to other medical conditions affecting bone and joint health. Arthritis, a commonly diagnosed joint condition, has over 200 types. Depending on the severity of the disease, these conditions can also affect a patient’s quality of life. Read on to know the symptoms, causes, and factors that increase one’s risk of developing joint conditions. Symptoms of joint conditions The following are some of the symptoms that most joint conditions are accompanied by: Joint stiffness Weakness in the joints Inflammation, swelling, and redness of the affected joint Limping due to pain and stiffness Joint getting locked Tearing of the cartilage Commonly-diagnosed joint conditions and their causes Osteoarthritis This form of arthritis involves the wear-and-tear of the joint’s cartilage, which means the risk of developing this disease elevates with age. The cartilage plays the role of a cushion between the bones in order to prevent friction that can cause damage. Damaged cartilage due to this condition results in the bones losing their protection and clashing, causing pain and restricting movement and flexibility. This usually occurs gradually, but it can also develop suddenly in the case of an infection or injury.
All you need to know about menopause
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All you need to know about menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. It is typically diagnosed after a year of no menstrual periods, but it begins much before that. Menopause occurs in your forties and even fifties, but the average age when it occurs in the US is 51. While it is a natural and biological process, the physical symptoms and the hot flashes may cause disruptions in your sleep and even affect your emotional health in general. There are plenty of treatments available. But, to get started, you need to know what the condition looks and feels like. Here are the symptoms, causes, and complications related to menopause. Symptoms of menopause In the time leading up to menopause, you may experience some common symptoms such as irregularity in periods, dryness in the vagina, as well as hot flashes. Some people also experience chills, sleep problems, mood swings, and night sweats. Weight gain and slowed metabolism are two other symptoms that commonly occur with menopause. Menopausal women may even experience dry skin and thinning hair on a regular basis. However, this is not to say that all women experience these symptoms. Different women go through different issues. Depending on your health in general, you may experience varying levels of symptoms.
Mental health conditions – What you should know
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Mental health conditions – What you should know

Millions of people live with different types of mental illnesses and health problems. These include obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and personality disorders. All of these come under the umbrella of mental health. In this article, we will cover the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of some common mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and clinical depression to help you understand them better. Symptoms The common symptoms of mental health disorders include: Obsessive-compulsive disorder People with OCD may present the following symptoms: Constant fear of contamination and extra emphasis on cleanliness Signs of hoarding and counting belongings continuously Signs of excessive concern toward personal safety Post-traumatic stress disorder Somebody suffering from PTSD may show the following symptoms: Constantly suffering through intrusive memories Negative patterns in mood and mindset Trying to avoid thinking of the traumatic event Feeling changes in emotional and physical reactions Clinical depression The symptoms of clinical depression include: Being moody and experiencing different emotions, such as aggressiveness, anxiousness, and restlessness Adverse effect on sexual life A decline of cognitive abilities Poor sleep patterns If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend consulting with a mental health doctor immediately. Causes The common causes of any mental health disorder include the following: