Having good mental health is important for your emotions, relationships, job and daily activities. It’s the foundation for learning, communication, hope and self-esteem. Mental health problems can be just as serious and disabling as physical illnesses. They impact how you think, feel and behave and can cause distress and affect your ability to function at home, school or work.
People of all ages can have mental health problems. They can be mild or severe and come on suddenly or develop over time. They can make it hard to cope with everyday life and get the help they need.
Emotional mental disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide. But less than half of those who need treatment receive it. They are most destructive in low and middle income countries where competing priorities and budget constraints limit access to treatment and services.
Psychologists are working to change that. They are exploring ways to improve clinical training and capacity and developing strategies that can be used in the community to support children and adults with mental health issues. They are also researching the biological, social and structural factors that contribute to mental illness, including stigma and a sense of hopelessness, and putting together evidence-based solutions for families and communities.
Some mental illnesses have specific symptoms and signs, such as depressed or anxious feelings, trouble concentrating or thinking clearly, or a lack of interest in normal activities. Others don’t have specific symptoms but can have a negative impact on your life such as being withdrawn or not wanting to socialize or do your favorite hobbies. A mental health problem can also cause physical health problems, such as headaches or stomachaches.
Symptoms can be different for everyone, and can vary from day to day. But any significant changes in your thoughts, feelings or behaviour could be a sign that you have a mental illness.
Scientists are still trying to understand what causes mental illness. They do know that there are a number of things that increase your risk, such as having close relatives with mental health problems and certain genes. Having a stressful life event or living in a war zone can also raise your risk. Chemicals called neurotransmitters, which carry signals between nerve cells, can change and lead to mental illness if they are altered or blocked.
But the vast majority of mental health problems are treatable, and recovery is possible, especially when you find the right kind of help and participate actively in your own care. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, contact a hotline. In the United States, call or text 911 for emergency help. Or you can call a suicide prevention helpline, or visit a local mental health clinic. You can also talk to your primary care provider or a friend or family member for advice.