What characterizes a mental health disorder?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental aspect of mental health disorders: they often involve a disruption in behavior and function due to stress or other psychological factors. Mental health disorders can manifest in various ways, impacting an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and daily functioning. This disruption may be evident in altered mood, changes in behavior, and difficulty in coping with daily life, leading to a decreased ability to manage personal and professional responsibilities.

In contrast, the other choices describe scenarios that do not fully encompass the complexities of mental health disorders. The ability to cope with stress without support suggests a level of resilience that may not exist for individuals with mental health concerns. Meanwhile, the idea of complete recovery without intervention overlooks the necessity of treatment or support that many individuals require. Lastly, suggesting that mental health issues are limited to only temporary episodes of sadness minimizes the breadth of potential disorders, which can include a range of symptoms beyond transient feelings of unhappiness. Overall, the key characteristic lies in the persistent impact stress has on behavior and functionality, making the chosen answer particularly relevant in recognizing mental health disorders.