Mental health is a state of well-being that includes your brain, body and emotions. When you have good mental health, you can deal with everyday stressors and feel positive about yourself. But your mental health can be affected by many things, including genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences and environmental factors. It’s important to know what to look for and how to get help if you have concerns about your mental health.
There are many different disorders that affect mental health, and each one has unique symptoms. For example, depression causes feelings of sadness or emptiness, while bipolar disorder involves extreme mood changes. Other symptoms include difficulty focusing, changes in sleep or eating habits, and aches and pains.
Most healthcare professionals use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5) to diagnose mental health disorders. This book has descriptions and specific criteria for each disorder, as well as ways to treat them.
Many people don’t seek treatment because of the stigma associated with mental illness. And that’s a big problem, because mental illnesses can be serious and lead to suicide, which is the 11th leading cause of death worldwide. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your mental health, including exercise, getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and healthy eating. And for more severe conditions, medication or therapy can help.
If you or someone you know needs help, start by talking to your doctor. You can also call 911 or your local emergency services number, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
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