| Persistent sadness / low mood (> 2 weeks) |
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, grief reaction, burnout, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal or medical conditions
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Clinical assessment, PHQ-9 screening, medical evaluation if needed, psychotherapy referral, medication options when appropriate
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| Constant worry / racing thoughts |
Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, ADHD, stress, thyroid or medical conditions
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Anxiety assessment (e.g., GAD-7), coping strategies, psychotherapy referral, medication support when appropriate
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| Sudden panic attacks |
Panic disorder, anxiety disorders, trauma/stress reactions, substance use, thyroid/cardiac or other medical conditions
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Panic-disorder evaluation, grounding/breathing techniques, therapy referral, medication support when appropriate
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Repeated checking, reassurance seeking, or cleaning rituals
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OCD, anxiety disorders, trauma-related anxiety; repetitive behaviors may also occur in autism spectrum disorder
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OCD assessment, CBT/ERP referral, psychoeducation, medication options when appropriate
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Periods of unusually high energy followed by low mood
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Bipolar spectrum disorders, cyclothymia, ADHD/emotional dysregulation, substance-related conditions
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Mood-disorder screening, psychoeducation, therapy support, medication management when indicated
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Difficulty focusing / getting things done
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ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, burnout/chronic stress, medical conditions
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ADHD evaluation, behavioural strategies, psychotherapy support, medication options when appropriate
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Flashbacks / nightmares after trauma
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PTSD, complex trauma, acute stress disorder, dissociative symptoms
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Trauma assessment, trauma-focused therapy referral (e.g., TF-CBT/EMDR), supportive treatment planning
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
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Depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, personality disorders, substance use, severe stress/crisis
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Immediate safety assessment, crisis support, safety planning, psychiatric evaluation, emergency referral if needed
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Unable to stop drinking or using substances
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Alcohol/substance use disorders, stress-related coping, dual-diagnosis conditions
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Addiction assessment, counselling, relapse-prevention planning, medication-assisted treatment/referral when appropriate
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Postpartum sadness, anxiety, or disconnection from baby
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Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation
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Postpartum mental health assessment, therapy support, safe treatment planning, family/community support referral
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