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Mental health plays a fundamental role in our overall health and well-being. Although the topic often goes unaddressed and is clouded in shame, learning what it is and how to improve it can positively impact both individuals and communities. Defining mental health According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , mental health is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes [their] own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to [their] community.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that mental health encompasses your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The state of your mental health affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also affects how you navigate life, relationships, work, school, and other daily activities. An endless number of factors can affect your mental health, including but not limited to: biological factors (e.g., genetics, hormones, chemicals) your job and finances physical health problems mental health conditions learning disabilities how you were raised trauma and abuse social and human rights injustices previous and current relationships other life experiences Simply put: If you have a brain, you have mental health. That’s why it’s necessary for us to take care of our mental health starting as early as possible. Signs of positive mental health Positive mental health can help you navigate life more confidently and feel secure within your relationships, career, and more. Research in 2020 suggests that signs of good mental health include: an ability to cope with stress self-management strategies presence of significant relationships with loved ones physical and sexual health a sense of the meaning of life a sense of quality of life If your mental health is in a generally healthy state, you may also experience: productivity at work ease at managing your emotions a general sense of well-being a general positive outlook consistent quality sleep You’ll also be able to take care of yourself — your hygiene, nourishment, etc. Mental health conditions What is a mental health condition? The WHO defines mental health disorders as “a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behavior, and relationships with others.” Mental illnesses are extremely common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) , tens of millions of people are affected each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that more than 50% of people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health condition during their life. There are several types of mental health conditions that people may have. Some of the most common include: anxiety disorders bipolar disorder eating disorders major neurocognitive disorder (aka dementia) autism spectrum disorder Conditions like these are, for example, categorized under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) in the United States, or the global standard International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision (IDC-11) published by the WHO.

Symptoms of mental health issues If you’re concerned about your mental health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends looking out for the following signs and symptoms of mental illness: difficulty regulating emotions difficulty doing daily activities isolation from loved ones and events excessive feelings of sadness, fear, or worry hallucinations or delusions heavy or frequent substance or alcohol use changes in appetite changes in sex drive changes in energy or sleep habits difficulties getting out of bed in the morning issues with learning or paying attention in school thoughts of suicide If you relate to any of the signs on this list, try not to stress. Rest assured that you’re not alone and help is available. Help is out there If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7. Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide . Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so. If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely. If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives. How to improve your mental health Whether or not you feel mentally well, it can be beneficial to work on your mental health. Consider trying these tips for maintaining and improving your mental well-being. Establish a self-care routine Self-care can have a positive impact on your mental health. Self-care means something different to everyone, but you can start taking better care of yourself by trying the following things: regularly exercising staying hydrated engaging in mindfulness practices (like meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling) practicing gratitude and positive thinking building healthy connections and relationships Learn more about mental health Mental health education can remind us that we’re not alone in our experiences and help reduce stigma associated with conditions. Some organizations to look into include: National Alliance on Mental Illness National Institute of Mental Health American Psychological Association American Psychiatric Association You can also follow mental health professionals (or Psych Central ) on social media. They share educational and entertaining content that highlights everything from symptoms of certain conditions to relatable memes about living with ADHD. Want to better understand why you are the way you are, unpack childhood trauma , or get evaluated for mental health conditions? Consider scheduling an appointment with a qualified mental health professional. A therapist or primary care doctor may be able to guide you toward the resources, diagnoses, and treatment you need to attain better mental health. Seeing a mental health professional isn’t just for addressing concerns, though. They can also help you reach your goals, teach you valuable life skills, and offer personalized tips to maintain mental and emotional wellness. It’s important to note that access to mental healthcare may be affected based on factors like: insurance coverage care inequality For example, Black adults are more likely to need mental healthcare but only 1 in 3 will receive it. Therapists offering sliding scale payment plans and inclusive telehealth services may help to bridge this gap. There’s no shame in asking for help. Reaching out to friends, family, mental health professionals, organizations, or hotlines can lead you toward the mental well-being you’re seeking. Here are some resources to contact if you’re concerned about your mental health: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline U.S. Veterans Crisis Hotline Crisis Textline The Trevor Project Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration No matter the problem you’re currently facing, trust that you’re never alone. Support is always available and relief is within reach. Positive change and relief could be as close as a call or text away. Mental health is defined as emotional, social, and psychological well-being — and it’s a crucial part of your overall health. Good mental health might enable people to easily navigate work, relationships, and life with a generally positive outlook. Mental health conditions may affect a person’s ability to function and navigate life. Signs of mental illness range in severity but may include: challenges managing your emotions poor quality of sleep prolonged intense sadness or fear an inability to take care of yourself thinking about suicide Whether or not you have a mental health condition, it’s possible to improve your mental health. Some strategies include practicing self-care, learning more information about mental well-being, seeing a mental health professional, and asking for help. And remember that support is always available, whenever you want or need it. Last medically reviewed on September 16, 2021 8 sources collapsed About mental health. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm Black/African American. (n.d.). https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Black-African-American Caring for your mental health. (2021). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health Fusar-Poli P, et al. (2020). What is good mental health? A scoping review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X19318693?via%3Dihub Mental disorders. (2019). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders Mental health: Strengthening our response. (2018). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response Warning signs and symptoms. (n.d.). https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms What is mental health? (2020). https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health Find a Therapist and Mental Health Support What Is Psychotherapy and How Does It Help? The 9 Best Mental Health Books of 2022 What Are the Different Types of Mental Health Professionals? Creating a Mental Health Crisis Plan Find a Therapist and Mental Health Support Take the first step in feeling better. You can get psychological help by finding a mental health counselor. Browse our online resources and find a… READ MORE Take the first step in feeling better. You can get psychological help by finding a mental health counselor. Browse our online resources and find a… What Is Psychotherapy and How Does It Help? Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH Psychotherapy means therapy for mental health. Here's how it works, what to expect in your first session, and what it is for, among other important… READ MORE Psychotherapy means therapy for mental health. Here's how it works, what to expect in your first session, and what it is for, among other important… The 9 Best Mental Health Books of 2022 Mental health books can help you improve well-being and learn more about specific conditions or yourself. Here are the top 9 mental health books of… READ MORE Mental health books can help you improve well-being and learn more about specific conditions or yourself. Here are the top 9 mental health books of… What Are the Different Types of Mental Health Professionals? Medically reviewed by N. Simay Gökbayrak, PhD Different types of professionals provide services that focus on helping a person living with a mental health condition. Knowing each type can help in… READ MORE Different types of professionals provide services that focus on helping a person living with a mental health condition. Knowing each type can help in… Creating a Mental Health Crisis Plan If you're in a mental health crisis, will you or your loved ones know what to do? With a plan, you'll be prepared when a crisis occurs. READ MORE If you're in a mental health crisis, will you or your loved ones know what to do? With a plan, you'll be prepared when a crisis occurs. What It Means to Be a Mental Health Advocate and How to Become One Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD Here's the difference between a mental health advocate and an activist, why mental health advocates are key to equality, and how to become one. READ MORE Here's the difference between a mental health advocate and an activist, why mental health advocates are key to equality, and how to become one. The Inside Mental Health Podcast Inside Mental Health is an award-winning weekly podcast that approaches psychology and mental health in an accessible way. Listen Now. READ MORE Inside Mental Health is an award-winning weekly podcast that approaches psychology and mental health in an accessible way. Listen Now. Top 10 Free Mental Health Apps in 2022 Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD Whether you're looking for a meditation, anxiety, PTSD, or sleep help app, we've got you covered. Here are the best free mental health apps in 2022. READ MORE Whether you're looking for a meditation, anxiety, PTSD, or sleep help app, we've got you covered. Here are the best free mental health apps in 2022. Sexual Intimacy: The Link Between Mental Health and Body Image Medically reviewed by Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST When you live with a mental health condition, it can affect your sexuality and intimacy. But there are ways to help manage this. READ MORE When you live with a mental health condition, it can affect your sexuality and intimacy. But there are ways to help manage this. Why Doctor Ratings Matter for You Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP Doctor ratings and reviews are becoming increasingly important in healthcare decision making processes. But how do these ratings work? Find out here. READ MORE Doctor ratings and reviews are becoming increasingly important in healthcare decision making processes. But how do these ratings work? Find out here.