What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and 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.

This article provides more information regarding Mental Health Conditions, early warning signs and symptoms, and tips for living well with a mental health condition.

Come up for air

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. It’s important to pay attention to your mental health and emotional well-being.

Watch for warning signs that you may be over-stressed or feeling depressed:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Anxiety or irritability
• A lack of appetite or over-eating
• Smoking
• Excessive drinking or drug use

If you feel your stress is out of control or think you might be depressed, speak to a professional counselor or your health care provider. They can help you decide if treatment or possible changes to your lifestyle habits can help.