Mental health is the ability to think, feel and behave in ways that are effective and satisfying for you. It is the foundation of emotional well-being, resilience, learning, relationships and contribution to society.
It is a complex relationship between physical, social and environmental factors that influence the way we experience ourselves and interact with others. It influences how we see the world, respond to stress and make decisions about our lives.
There are many different types of mental health problems. Some are caused by a single factor, but others can affect the whole family or a group of people. They may be linked to genes, your environment or other factors such as drugs and alcohol use.
Some conditions are genetically determined, for example schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, mental illness can also be caused by life events such as a divorce or death of a loved one.
Other causes of mental illness are related to brain chemistry. These can include the levels of natural chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. When these levels become too high or low, you can develop a mental health problem such as depression.
Having a mental health problem can be confusing, but there are things you can do to help yourself. It can be a good idea to get support from your friends and family, and if you think it’s time to talk to a professional, there are lots of places that can offer you advice, support and treatments.
There are many different kinds of mental health problems, but they all have one thing in common: they cause distress and interfere with daily life. They can affect your mood and your thinking and affect your ability to work, sleep and enjoy life.
Some mental health problems are more serious than others and can be treated with medication or therapy. Other conditions are less severe and require only lifestyle changes to cope with them.
Your mental health can be affected by the demands of your job, money, responsibilities, family and other people in your life. Getting enough sleep, eating properly and exercising can help you stay mentally healthy.
When you feel down, or when your thoughts and feelings are not the same as other people’s, it can be a sign that you need to speak to someone about it. It can also be a sign that you have a mental health problem and need treatment to help you cope with it.
Sometimes people don’t realise they have a problem until their family or friends point it out to them. This is because they have a hard time recognizing changes or problems in themselves that might not be obvious to them.
But if these symptoms are lasting or becoming more serious, then you need to talk to someone about it. If you’re thinking about suicide, or if your behaviour is changing significantly, you should consult a medical professional to get the help you need.
Mental health is an important component of overall health and well-being, influencing how you perceive the world, deal with stress, respond to other people and make your own decisions. It can have positive or negative effects on your day-to-day life, and it is essential to receive the help you need to overcome these issues so you can live a happy and productive life.