Mental Health & Psychology: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC
Your mental and physical well-being are equally vital. If you always feel tired, hopeless, or helpless, it may not just be a sign of exhaustion but depression. Emotional imbalance and mental stress are becoming increasingly prevalent in today's fast-paced society. This article will give you detailed information about the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and self-care methods of depression. You will learn how you can rejuvenate your life and when it is necessary to seek professional help.
Glossary of Mental and Physical Well-Being
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Health | |
| Emotional Balance | Stability in emotions to handle life’s challenges positively. |
| Depression | A mental illness causing persistent sadness and a lack of interest. |
| CBT (Therapy) | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, helpful in changing negative thoughts. |
| Self-Care | Daily habits like rest, exercise, and journaling support mental health. |
| Physical & Lifestyle | |
| Sleep Routine | Going to bed and waking up on time supports brain function. |
| Exercise | Releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce anxiety. |
| Meditation | Calms the mind, reduces stress, and enhances focus. |
| Creative Activities | Art, music, or gardening for emotional expression and healing. |
What is the Importance of Mental Health?
Your mental health affects your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
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A mentally healthy person faces life's challenges positively.
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It improves your relationships, work performance, and decision-making ability.
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Good mental health helps you avoid stress, anxiety, and frustration.
Additionally, it lowers the risk of physical illnesses like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
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Emotional balance is essential for maintaining your social life and self-satisfaction.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious mental condition that causes a prolonged feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and self-inferiority.
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It is not just feeling "sad," but a long-term mental illness.
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The person starts to feel that life is meaningless and feels isolated from others.
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It affects performance, studies, relationships, and social life.
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Depression also affects sleep, appetite, and energy levels.
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The condition can get worse if not identified and treated on time.
What Causes Depression?
There can be many causes of depression, which are related to the person's lifestyle, genetics, and external events.
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Genetic reasons—If someone in the family has had depression, then your chances increase.
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Childhood trauma—Emotional or physical abuse in childhood has a deep impact on the mind.
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Hormonal imbalance—Changes in hormones in the body cause mood fluctuations.
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Stressful life events—loss of job, breakup in relationships, or death of a loved one.
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Addiction—Overuse of drugs or alcohol results in mental instability.
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Lack of sleep—Consistently less sleep can also deteriorate mental condition.
What are the Signs of Depression?
The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, but there are some common signs.
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Always feeling sad or empty.
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Loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed things.
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Extreme changes in appetite or weight.
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Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
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Feeling guilty, considering oneself worthless.
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Problems with concentration.
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Types of Mental Health Issues and Their Common Signs
| Mental Health Issue | Common Signs |
|---|---|
| Mood Disorders | |
| Depression | Persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and sleep issues. |
| Bipolar Disorder | Mood swings from high energy (mania) to deep lows (depression). |
| Anxiety Disorders | |
| Generalized Anxiety | Excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep issues. |
| Panic Disorder | Sudden intense fear, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat. |
| Phobias | Extreme fear of specific objects or situations. |
| Trauma & Stress Disorders | |
| PTSD | Flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness after trauma. |
| Acute Stress | Short-term anxiety or distress after a traumatic event. |
| Psychotic Disorders | |
| Schizophrenia | Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and emotional withdrawal. |
| Eating & Behavioral Disorders | |
| Anorexia | Fear of weight gain, extreme dieting, and distorted body image. |
| ADHD | Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, restlessness, forgetfulness. |
How Can You Get Yourself Out of Depression?
You can get yourself out of depression with small but important habits.
Daily exercise causes the body to release endorphins, which elevate mood.
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Meditation calms the mind and relieves anxiety.
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Keep yourself busy by making a daily routine and avoiding unnecessary thinking.
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Maintain social connections, talk to your loved ones, and do not stay alone.
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Journaling or writing a diary is a good way to bring out emotions.
It's important to go to bed and wake up at specified times, so take additional care of your sleep.
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Involve yourself in creative activities like art, music, and gardening.
When to Seek Help From a Doctor?
If you are unable to handle the situation on your own, then it is very important to seek help from a psychiatrist or counselor.
If the depression has lasted longer than two weeks.
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Thoughts of suicide or self-harm have started coming.
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Interest in daily tasks has ended.
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You are experiencing a major change in sleep, appetite, and energy.
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It is becoming difficult to fulfill work and family responsibilities.
How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treatable, and there are many effective ways to treat it.
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Psychotherapy, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), is very effective.
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Antidepressants—medications that the doctor prescribes—balance the brain's chemical composition.
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Yoga and meditation—ancient Indian methods—are very helpful in mental health.
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Group therapy—talking to people who understand your condition.
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Lifestyle modification—improving diet, exercise, and sleep.
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Support system—staying connected with family and friends.
How Can Mental Health Awareness Be Created in Society?
Often, people feel hesitant to accept mental problems.
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Mental illnesses are considered a weakness, whereas they are just like common diseases.
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Positive communication and awareness can eliminate this hesitation.
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There should be mental health education in the media, schools, and workplaces.
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Open discussions and support groups are a must.
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Being kind and compassionate towards yourself is essential for mental peace.
Top 25 MCQs on Mental Health & Psychology for UPSC
Practice the Top 25 MCQs on Mental Health to strengthen understanding of psychological well-being, common disorders, preventive strategies, and public health relevance, enhancing exam readiness for UPSC prelims and other competitive examinations.
1. According to the WHO, "Mental Health" is defined as:
a) Absence of mental disorders
b) Being happy all the time
c) A state of well-being where an individual realizes their potential and can cope with normal stress
d) Having a high IQ
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Answer: c) A state of well-being where an individual realizes their potential and can cope with normal stress
It is more than just the absence of illness; it is about emotional resilience, productivity, and contributing to the community.
2. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with mood regulation and is often low in people with depression?
a) Adrenaline
b) Serotonin
c) Insulin
d) Histamine
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Answer: b) Serotonin
[Image of neurotransmitter synapse]
Serotonin is often called the "feel-good" chemical. Many antidepressants (SSRIs) work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
3. What is "CBT" in the context of psychotherapy?
a) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
b) Central Brain Training
c) Chronic Behavior Treatment
d) Clinical Body Therapy
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Answer: a) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
[Image of CBT cognitive triangle]
CBT is a talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns (cognition) to change unwanted behaviors and emotions.
4. "Bipolar Disorder" is characterized by extreme mood swings between:
a) Hunger and Thirst
b) Mania (Highs) and Depression (Lows)
c) Fear and Anger
d) Sleep and Wakefulness
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Answer: b) Mania (Highs) and Depression (Lows)
Patients experience episodes of intense energy and euphoria (Mania) followed by periods of deep sadness and hopelessness.
5. What is the primary difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
a) No difference
b) Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who can prescribe medication; Psychologists focus on therapy
c) Psychologists earn more
d) Psychiatrists only treat children
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Answer: b) Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who can prescribe medication; Psychologists focus on therapy
Psychiatrists attend medical school and can treat the biological aspects, while psychologists typically hold a PhD or PsyD.
6. "Anhedonia," a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder, means:
a) Excessive crying
b) Inability to feel pleasure in activities once enjoyed
c) Hearing voices
d) Excessive sleeping
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Answer: b) Inability to feel pleasure in activities once enjoyed
It is the loss of interest in hobbies, friends, food, or sex, leaving the person feeling emotionally "flat" or empty.
7. "PTSD" stands for:
a) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
b) Pre-Teen Stress Disorder
c) Permanent Traumatic Syndrome Disease
d) Panic Trauma Stress Disorder
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Answer: a) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
8. In "OCD" (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), what are "Compulsions"?
a) Unwanted thoughts
b) Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions
c) Hallucinations
d) Memory loss
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Answer: b) Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions
Example: An obsession about germs leads to the compulsion of washing hands repeatedly until raw.
9. Which eating disorder is characterized by a distorted body image and severe restriction of food intake?
a) Bulimia Nervosa
b) Anorexia Nervosa
c) Binge Eating Disorder
d) Pica
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Answer: b) Anorexia Nervosa
People with anorexia often see themselves as overweight even when dangerously underweight, leading to self-starvation.
10. "Schizophrenia" is often misunderstood as "split personality," but it actually involves:
a) Multiple personalities
b) Disconnection from reality (Psychosis), hallucinations, and delusions
c) Low IQ
d) Excessive anger
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Answer: b) Disconnection from reality (Psychosis), hallucinations, and delusions
It affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. "Split personality" is actually Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
11. What is a "Panic Attack"?
a) A heart attack
b) A sudden episode of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart and breathlessness
c) Being very angry
d) Feeling sad
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Answer: b) A sudden episode of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart and breathlessness
It can happen without a clear danger. The physical symptoms are so severe that people often think they are dying.
12. Which hormone is known as the "Stress Hormone"?
a) Dopamine
b) Cortisol
c) Melatonin
d) Oxytocin
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Answer: b) Cortisol
Released by the adrenal glands during stress, chronic high levels of cortisol can damage the brain and body over time.
13. "SAD" (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of depression related to:
a) Sad movies
b) Changes in seasons, usually beginning in fall/winter
c) Losing a job
d) Allergies
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Answer: b) Changes in seasons, usually beginning in fall/winter
Reduced sunlight in winter can drop serotonin and melatonin levels. "Light Therapy" is a common treatment.
14. "ADHD" stands for:
a) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
b) Anxiety Disorder and High Depression
c) Advanced Development Health Disease
d) Adult Deficit Health Disorder
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Answer: a) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
It is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, impulse control, and activity levels, often persisting into adulthood.
15. Which handbook is considered the "Bible" of mental health diagnosis used by professionals?
a) Gray's Anatomy
b) DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
c) The Medical Journal
d) Psych 101
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Answer: b) DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
Published by the American Psychiatric Association, it lists the criteria and symptoms required to diagnose mental health conditions.
16. "Psychosomatic" refers to physical symptoms that:
a) Are fake
b) Are caused or aggravated by mental factors (like stress)
c) Can be cured by surgery
d) Are contagious
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Answer: b) Are caused or aggravated by mental factors (like stress)
The pain is real, but the root cause is psychological. For example, severe stress causing stomach ulcers or headaches.
17. "Agoraphobia" is the fear of:
a) Spiders
b) Heights
c) Places or situations that might cause panic, entrapment, or embarrassment
d) Water
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Answer: c) Places or situations that might cause panic, entrapment, or embarrassment
Often misunderstood as fear of open spaces, it leads people to avoid crowds, public transport, or even leaving their home.
18. Which neurotransmitter is associated with the brain's "Reward System" and addiction?
a) Dopamine
b) Adrenaline
c) Insulin
d) Cortisol
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Answer: a) Dopamine
Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure. Drugs, gambling, and social media likes trigger dopamine, reinforcing the behavior.
19. "Postpartum Depression" (PPD) occurs:
a) Before a wedding
b) After giving birth (Childbirth)
c) After retiring
d) During winter
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Answer: b) After giving birth (Childbirth)
Unlike the "baby blues" which fade quickly, PPD is severe and long-lasting, affecting the mother's ability to care for the baby.
20. "Stigma" in mental health refers to:
a) A type of medication
b) Negative attitudes, shame, and discrimination against people with mental illness
c) A diagnosis
d) A therapy technique
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Answer: b) Negative attitudes, shame, and discrimination against people with mental illness
Stigma is the biggest barrier preventing people from seeking help, fearing they will be judged as "weak" or "crazy."
21. "Burnout" is officially recognized by WHO as an occupational phenomenon resulting from:
a) Exercising too much
b) Chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed
c) Getting fired
d) Being lazy
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Answer: b) Chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed
Symptoms include energy depletion (exhaustion), mental distance from the job (cynicism), and reduced professional efficacy.
22. "Endorphins" are natural chemicals released during exercise that act as:
a) Painkillers and mood elevators
b) Depressants
c) Stress inducers
d) Sleep suppressors
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Answer: a) Painkillers and mood elevators
Often called the "Runner's High," endorphins help reduce stress and improve mental well-being naturally.
23. "World Mental Health Day" is observed annually on:
a) 1st January
b) 10th October
c) 7th April
d) 25th December
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Answer: b) 10th October
It is a global day for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma.
24. "Resilience" in psychology is best described as:
a) Never feeling sad
b) The ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt to stress
c) Ignoring problems
d) Being stubborn
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Answer: b) The ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt to stress
Resilience is not a fixed trait; it can be learned and strengthened through coping strategies and support systems.
25. What is the most immediate way to help someone in a mental health crisis?
a) Tell them to cheer up
b) Listen without judgment and encourage professional help
c) Give them money
d) Ignore them
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Answer: b) Listen without judgment and encourage professional help
Active listening validates their feelings. If they are in danger, contacting emergency services or a suicide hotline is vital.
Conclusion
Mental health and depression are serious but manageable problems. If you or someone you love is struggling with it, don’t hesitate—seeking help is your strength, not your weakness. The information in this article can help you understand how small habits and timely help can change your life. Love yourself, understand yourself, and choose a better life for yourself.
Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites on Mental Health
| Category | Resources |
|---|---|
| Online Courses |
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| Reference Books |
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| Websites |
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