Mental Health
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 healthy choices. Mental health is important at every life stage, from childhood, adolescence, and through adulthood.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Mental health is a topic that people are often not comfortable discussing. This can lead to loneliness, depression, and mental illness.
Can your mental health change over time?
Yes, it's important to remember that a person's mental health can change over time, depending on many factors. When the demands placed on a person exceeds their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted. For example, if someone is working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.
How common are mental illnesses?
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.
More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
What causes mental illness?
There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to the risk of mental illness, such as:
Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
Use of alcohol or drugs
Having feelings of loneliness or isolation
Tips to boost your mental health
Make a social connection — especially face-to-face — a priority
Stay active
Talk to someone
Appeal to your senses
Take up a relaxation practice
Make leisure and contemplation a priority
Eat a brain-healthy diet to support strong mental health
Don't skip on sleep
Find purpose and meaning
Get help if you need it
When to See a Mental Health Professional
Behavioral and mental health conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated. You are encouraged to seek professional help if you feel "off" or have any of the following:
Anxiety or depression
Attention or concentration difficulties
Changes in sleep and appetite
Changes in behavior or personality
Social withdrawal or loss of interest in appearance
Sound familiar? If you or a loved one may be suffering with your mental health please feel free to reach out to one of us. We can help navigate you towards the help you may be needing.
