Advice

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC

Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include abuse which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Free one-on-one support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Mental health advice 

Mental health refers to wellness of the mind. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being in which individuals realize their abilities, can cope with the stresses of life, can work productively, and can make positive contributions to their communities. 

How common are mental health conditions in adults and children?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States has a mental illness. This number amounts to millions of children, adolescents, and adults.

In the past century, advancements have been made in treating these conditions. Whether one lives with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a substance use disorder, a personality disorder, or any other mental health condition, treatment and advice is available. To get started, knowing what signs to look for and how to seek early intervention and advice can be helpful.

How does mental illness affect emotional health?

According to The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the United States, in 2015, it was estimated that 9.8 million adults (4.8%) over 18 had a severe mental illness. Some conditions can be hereditary, so it can be crucial to seek advice and visit a mental health professional if you're having symptoms of a condition someone in your family has been diagnosed with. 

Although "mental illness" might seem like a negative term, it refers to real conditions that can have real symptoms, like physical illnesses. The advice section aims to provide readers with accurate information and advices about the various mental health conditions people live with. 

In these advice articles, readers can learn about the behavioral or emotional challenges they may encounter in themselves or their loved ones. The advice categories in the advice section offer expert advice, opinion and insight into the various areas of mental health. Support and advice is available if you're diagnosed with or living with any mental health condition. Talking about mental health and having accurate advice and information may help you fight for destigmatization. 

Available mental health advice

When working on your mental health, it may be helpful to consider the factors that can affect it. Outside influences, such as your environment, and inside influences, such as your genetics and temperament, may have significant impacts. Below are more influences you can read about in the advice section.

Behavior in mental health conditions

Behavior is often a primary indicator of mental health. In the behavior advice section, you can learn more about productive and dysfunctional behaviors. You may also find advice about changing your behaviors through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. If you're interested in discovering advice on which mental illnesses or mental health conditions include problematic behaviors as a symptom, you can learn more in this section. 

Childhood and adult attachment 

Healthy attachments can positively impact mental health. When healthy attachments are not formed at a young age, it can contribute to mental health challenges or mental illness. According to attachment theory, each person develops an attachment style based on how their needs were met by their mother, father, or guardian as infants or children. In the attachment advice section, you can read advice about attachment styles and what challenges can arise when people develop unhealthy attachments. 

Bullying and discrimination

Bullying can severely impact a person's mental health, potentially causing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. In the bullying advice section, you can read advice on how to spot the signs of bullying in yourself or your child and understand how to seek support. It can be beneficial for a parent or teacher to be able to identify and address bullying when they see it.

Love 

Love is often an ingredient in finding secure attachment and connection. In the love advice section, you can read advice on finding healthy forms of love, whether with family members, friends, or romantic partners. In this advice section, you can read about advice on the science behind love and how to preserve and express love. 

Marriage

A healthy marriage can have positive effects on an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In the marriage advice section, you can learn more about managing common marital problems and strengthening your relationship with your husband or wife. 

Advice & support options  

In the advice section, you can learn more about your mental health condition, gain insight into your struggles, and find up-to-date coping strategies. However, note that advice articles, online mental health quizzes, and newsletter subscriptions do not replace the compassionate guidance of a mental health professional. 

Advice & Takeaway 

Mental health advice can be unique and subjective. Regardless of where you are on your mental health journey, support and advice is available. Maintaining well-being can be difficult. However, with positive advice and tools, living a healthy, productive life can be possible. If you're struggling with your mental health, consider connecting with a therapist online or in your area for more personalized advice.