Mental Health

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to your emotional well-being, which impacts how you feel, think and act.

It helps you:

• Build relationships and social connections
• Cope with stress
• Find purpose and meaning
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Manage your emotions
• Use your strengths

Mental health affects everyone at every age, but each person’s journey is different. Some people have a smooth path. Others may face bumps along the way, including emotional responses to life changes.

If these emotional responses become extremely distressing or interfere with your ability to complete your daily activities, they may turn into mental health conditions. Support and care are always available to help you feel better.

Why is mental health important?

Taking care of your mental health isn’t just good for your mood; it’s essential for your whole body. Your mind needs care just like your body does to stay healthy. But your mind and body don’t work in isolation. They’re part of the same system.

When your mental health is off, your physical health may also take a hit, and vice versa. Stress, anxiety and depression might cause headaches, stomach problems or fatigue. In some cases, you may be more at risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke if long-term mental health issues don’t get care. On the other hand, dealing with chronic health conditions (like chronic pain or diabetes) can lead to mental health struggles.

What can affect my mental health?

There are a lot of things that may affect your mental health, like:

• Difficult life experiences (like poverty, stress, trauma or abuse)
• Access to support or care when you need it
• Family history of mental disorders (genetics)
• Chemical imbalance in your brain
• Daily choices (like the foods and beverages you eat and drink, physical activities and smoking)
• The coping skills you learned

Some of these factors are outside of your control. But there are some changes you can make in your daily routine to support your mental health when you need to.

Can my mental health change?

It’s normal for your mental health to change. Things like stress at work or school, moving, grief or a new diagnosis can all trigger mental health challenges. In the middle of tough times, it might feel like things won’t get better.

Fortunately, a healthcare provider can help you navigate what you’re going through. They may recommend taking medications to manage certain conditions or seeking care from a specialist (like a psychiatrist or a therapist).

Fortunately, many people with mental health struggles do feel better over time.

What should I do if I have a mental health issue?

If you think you have a mental health issue, start by reaching out to a primary care physician. They’re a great starting point. In some cases, they may be able to help you directly. In other cases, they may make a referral for you to see a specialist, like a psychiatrist or a therapist (like a psychologist or social worker).

If you’re in a tough spot with your mental health and not sure what to do, call or text 988 (U.S.). This is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone is available to help you 24/7, whether you’re having a mental health crisis or not. Another option for immediate mental health attention is to contact 911 or your local emergency services number.

How to improve mental health

Here are some things you can do to boost your mental health:

• Build a support system. Connect with people you trust and open up when you need help.
• Care for your body. Sleep well, stay active, eat balanced meals and avoid harmful substances.
• Practice healthy coping skills. Try yoga, mindfulness or meditation to manage stress or refocus your thoughts. If you notice that your coping skills are less healthy (like using substances or avoiding an issue), you may be able to build healthier coping strategies by trying therapy.
• Increase feelings of accomplishment. Do small things each day that make you feel you’ve accomplished something.
• Take a break. If something becomes too overwhelming, consider stepping away from what you’re doing.
• Try something new. A new hobby or skill may refresh your mindset.
• Focus on the positive. Reflect on what you’re grateful for or keep a gratitude journal.
• Know when to get help. Learn the signs of mental health conditions and talk to a provider when needed.