Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being that affects how we think, feel, and behave. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social functioning, influencing our relationships, work performance, and quality of life.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to our mental and emotional state, including:
- Positive Well-Being: a state of general satisfaction with life, characterized by positive emotions, coping skills, and supportive relationships.
- Psychological Distress: an emotional or psychological response to stress, anxiety, or discomfort.
Risk Factors for Mental Health
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions, such as:
- Genetics
- Environmental Factors (e.g., traumatic events, social isolation)
- Substance Abuse
- Chronic Medical Conditions
These risk factors do not guarantee the development of a mental health condition, and many individuals with risk factors remain healthy.
Mental Health Conditions
Common mental health conditions include:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety Disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder)
- Eating Disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)
Treatment and Support
Treatment options for mental health conditions include:
- Therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy)
- Medications
- Support Groups
Resources
For help and support, reach out to:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Mental Health America
Stay informed about mental health basics and available resources.
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About Mental Health | Mental Health | CDC] (
https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html)
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Mental Health - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Help | SAMHSA] (
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health)
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Mental illness - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic] (
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968)
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What Is Mental Health? - MentalHealth.org] (
https://www.mentalhealth.org/basics/what-is-mental-health)
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Mental Health: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | U.S. News] (
https://health.usnews.com/conditions/mental-health)
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Mental disorders - World Health Organization (WHO)] (
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders)
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MENTAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster] (
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mental)
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | Mental Health …] (
https://www.nami.org/)
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Mental health: Definition, common disorders, early signs, and more] (
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543)
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Beliefs about mental health have evolved, but stigma remains] (
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/09/mental-health-stigma)