Mental illness is a generic term for various disorders that can cause severe disruption to your life, as well as disruptions to the lives of those around you. Despite what you may have heard or seen on television, there is no "official list" of mental illnesses, but instead, various classifications and categories have been created over time by the medical community. Mental health professionals often use these diagnostic criteria when diagnosing a patient. However, it's important to note that not everyone who exhibits symptoms of mental illness will be diagnosed as such — only those who meet the criteria set forth by their doctor will receive a diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and is considered the standard reference tool for identifying mental disorders. For example, since symptoms of anxiety disorders are listed in the DSM, anxiety disorders are classified as mental illnesses. Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders listed in the DSM: • Feeling overly worried, anxious, or frightened • Feeling tense or jumpy • Not wanting to leave your home • Avoiding situations in which you would have to face a crowd or public speaking • Avoiding driving • Having difficulty sleeping • Feeling irritable or restless