Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistryLife experiences, such as trauma or abuseFamily history of mental health problems
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.Early Warning Signs
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:Eating or sleeping too much or too littlePulling away from people and usual activitiesHaving low or no energyFeeling numb or like nothing mattersHaving unexplained aches and painsFeeling helpless or hopelessSmoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usualFeeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scaredYelling or fighting with family and friendsExperiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationshipsHaving persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your headHearing voices or believing things that are not trueThinking of harming yourself or othersInability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
Learn more about specific mental health problems and where to find help.Mental Health and Wellness
Positive mental health allows people to:Realize their full potentialCope with the stresses of lifeWork productivelyMake meaningful contributions to their communities
Ways to maintain positive mental health include:Getting professional help if you need itConnecting with othersStaying positiveGetting physically activeHelping othersGetting enough sleepDeveloping coping skills
Learn more about theimportance of prevention and wellness.Get Help
Learn how to talk about mental health or how to get help for yourself or someone you care about.
Last Updated: 02/28/2022Language Assistance Available