Mental health may affect how people think, feel, and act, playing a significant role at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Mental health means more than the absence of mental disorders; it’s an integral part of overall health and well-being. It encompasses a range of cognitive, emotional, and social capacities, such as learning, forming and maintaining relationships, and handling stress and adversity.

Factors contributing to mental health include biological factors such as genetics and brain chemistry, life experiences like trauma or abuse, and family history of mental illness. Positive mental health can help individuals realize their full potential, build their career or financial security, and maintain meaningful relationships with people or their community. 

On the other hand, overlooking mental health can lead to various disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and more. Promoting and maintaining good mental health may involve regular exercise, adequate sleep, eating nutritious meals, stress management, strong social connections, and, when necessary, professional mental health services. 

What it is

Mental health is the composite of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it’s significant to how we’re able to lead a meaningful and happy life. It can influence how we perceive ourselves, our lives, and others around us, as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. 

Good mental health may be characterized by how we learn, feel, express, and manage emotions and form and maintain relationships with others.

However, mental health is not static. It’s a dynamic and continually changing spectrum. At one end of this spectrum is positive mental health, characterized by one’s capacity for handling obligations, resilience to stress, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. At the other end are severe mental health conditions, such as major depression disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. These conditions may require careful management and treatment. 

Between these two extremes lies a wide range of mental health states, including temporary reactions to stress, more sustained conditions like anxiety disorders, and more severe conditions. Mental health is deeply interconnected with physical health, and caring for one often involves caring for the other.

Importance

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a major component of overall health and well-being.

Scientifically, mental health encompasses a range of cognitive, emotional, and social capacities. It involves the measure of brain processes that enable positive emotional regulation, successful coping strategies, logical reasoning, and adaptive social interactions.

Research has consistently demonstrated the profound interconnectedness of mental and physical health. For example, chronic physical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. 

Conversely, poor mental health can negatively impact physical health, increasing the risk of some conditions. Neuroscientific studies have illuminated how mental health is tied to the structure and function of our brains and how factors like stress can alter brain chemistry and neural pathways.

Furthermore, mental health is a spectrum that can change over time due to various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. Public health and medical communities globally recognize the importance of mental health, advocating for comprehensive mental health services, early intervention programs, and societal support systems as essential components of healthcare.

Effects

Mental health significantly influences various aspects of an individual's life, including physical health, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Scientifically, caring for our mental health is associated with a range of positive outcomes. For example, research has shown that individuals with good mental health are likely to have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and longer lifespans. 

They also have the tools to navigate daily challenges, make positive choices, and recover from illnesses and injuries. Psychologically, good mental health supports cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making, and it fosters emotional resilience, allowing individuals to experience and express a range of emotions healthily.

Compromised mental health can have effects that extend beyond the individual. For instance, people with mental health problems might have challenges when forming and maintaining relationships, impacting the individual and their family, friends, and community. It’s helpful to recognize that individuals with mental health challenges navigate a complex, often difficult path and that we can be empathetic to their struggles. 

Many people may be able to manage their mental health and lead fulfilling lives with appropriate support, such as therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments. This underscores the importance of including comprehensive mental health care as an integral aspect of overall health and societal well-being.

Mental health conditions

Mental health conditions or illnesses are health conditions that involve changes in mood, thinking, perception, behavior, neurology, or a combination of these. They’re complex conditions that arise from genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common mental health conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. 

According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are common, with more than one in four people likely to develop one at some point. These mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background.

Learning how to approach mental health conditions with empathy and understanding can be a valuable skill. People experiencing mental health struggles aren’t defined by their diagnoses. For example, someone who has bipolar disorder isn’t a person who’s always on the brink of a radical mood shift. They’re just as complex and multi-dimensional as anyone else. Most individuals who have mental health conditions can learn how to manage symptoms that may be negatively impacting their lives with appropriate treatment and support. 

Treatment options are varied and can include psychotherapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and peer support. Early intervention and appropriate and timely healthcare are often key to improved outcomes, highlighting the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Addressing mental health conditions isn’t solely the individual's responsibility in a broader societal context. It requires a comprehensive public health approach that includes education, prevention, early intervention, and the availability of high-quality healthcare services. This perspective emphasizes the role of community and societal support in fostering mental well-being for all.

Ways to improve your mental health

Improving mental health is a proactive and empowering endeavor, and there are evidence-based strategies that individuals can adopt to enhance their emotional and psychological well-being alongside mental health services. Regular physical activity, for example, is consistently linked to improved mental health as it can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and promote better mood by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. 

Adequate sleep is another major factor in health care and improving one’s lived experience. Research shows that quality sleep supports the brain’s processing of emotional information and can be beneficial for managing stress and maintaining good mental health.

Nutrition also plays a significant role in mental health and reducing challenges with mental illness. A balanced, nutrient-rich meal profile that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can have profound effects on brain function and mood. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and B vitamins can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity and focus. These practices have been shown in numerous studies to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and may be effective for other people with mental health conditions. 

Statistics

Mental health disorders are a prevalent and significant concern in the United States, affecting a substantial portion of the population across various age groups. According to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, an estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older, that’s about 1 in 4 adults, struggle with a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. 

These disorders are among the top causes of disability in established market economies, including the US, and encompass conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Notably, many individuals experience more than one mental disorder at a given time, with depressive illnesses and bipolar disorder often co-occurring with substance use and anxiety disorders.

The statistics also highlight demographic patterns in mental disorders. For instance, women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience major depression, but men and women are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. The average age at onset for major depression is in the mid-20s, while the first manic episode of bipolar disorder typically occurs during the early 20s but as early as 14. 

Additionally, while men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, women attempt suicide more often than men. These statistics underscore the widespread and diverse nature of mental health challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and easily available mental health care services and human services for all individuals.

For those with thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources. 

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources on various mental health topics. Support is available 24/7.

How to get help

Mental health treatment and effective health services are available from a wide range of sources to support individuals with mental health conditions and health problems. For example, online platforms like BetterHelp can connect individuals with mental health professionals from a wide range of educational backgrounds. These professionals have years of experience and can help you care for your mental health.

With a short survey about your mental health concerns, BetterHelp can connect you with a therapist with your needs and preferences in mind. Therapy is a collaborative effort between the professional and the client so they can provide the best guidance they can to support you through your achievements and struggles.