Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is also characterized by a positive sense of wellbeing, resilience, and psychological hardiness.
The concept of mental health has been evolving since the late 19th century. Early definitions emphasized the importance of an individual’s environment (e.g., family, work) in shaping mental health. These early pioneers also recognized that some people are more vulnerable to developing mental illness than others. In the mid-20th century, researchers began to focus on biological explanations for mental illness. This shift was influenced in part by advances in medical science that led to new treatments for physical illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Today, our understanding of mental health incorporates both biological and psychosocial factors.
Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being. It contributes to our ability to think clearly, manage our emotions effectively, relate well to others, maintain satisfying relationships, cope with stress, make good decisions, and enjoy life despite its challenges. Good mental health allows us to function at our best physically, mentally/emotionally, socially ,and spiritually . Unfortunately ,mental illness is common—about 1 in 5 adults experiences a diagnosable mental disorder each year 1 —and often goes untreated due mainly to stigma and lack of access to care . 2 ,3 When left unaddressed ,mental illness can lead not onlyto decreased productivity at work 4 but also increased risks for chronic physical diseases such as heart disease 5 and stroke 6 as well as premature death from all causes . 7
There are many different types of mental disorders ,with varying degreesof severity . The most common include anxiety disorders ,mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder ) and substance use disorders (including alcoholism and drug addiction ). 8 Other less common but serious typesof mental illness include schizophrenia 9 and personality disorders . 10 Many people experience symptoms of more than one typeof disorder at the same time . 11 For example ,someone may suffer from an anxiety disorder along withdepression or addiction . 12 Regardlessof diagnosis ,all typesof mental illness can be treated successfully through a combination off medication ,psychotherapy 13 14 (also called “talk therapy”), support groups 15 16 (both online 17 18 and in person), self-care 19 20(such as exercise 21 22 ), relaxation techniques 23 24
Most people with diagnosablemental disorders do not get treatment 25 because they donot believe they have a problem 26or they fear stigma 27or simply donot have access 28to services 29that could help them 30get better 31 However 32early intervention 33is key 34because it can prevent 35the development 36of more serious 37disorders 38 If you are concerned 39about your own 40or someone else’s 41mentalhealth 42please seek professional help 43from a qualified 44healthcare provider 45