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Mental health impacts everyone. Learn more about mental illness,
treatment options and supportive resources.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Many factors contribute to mental health, including genes and life experiences.
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Mental Illness
A mental illness is a condition that affects your thinking, feeling or mood. It may affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental health conditions include anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more. Mental health disorders are common. In fact, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 young people in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.
Children and Youth
Mental health conditions typically begin during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. Half of all adults with mental health challenges begin experiencing symptoms by age 14, and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of 10-14 year olds. Parents, caregivers and educators play a vital role in identifying signs of mental illness and helping children get the support they need.
Mental Health Screenings
Mental illness is not always easy to detect. Warning signs can include shifts in mood, unexplained sadness or anxiety, low energy, irritability and sleep problems. Screenings can help determine if you may have a mental health disorder and lead you to treatment before the condition gets worse. Mental Health America offers an online screening test that can help you decide if you should seek out a provider.
Teens and Young Adults
Entering adulthood can be an emotional time, but sometimes the ups and downs can mean something more. Millions of teens and young adults are living with a mental health or substance use disorder, but not enough are getting support and treatment. 3 out of 4 adults with mental health problems showed signs before they were 24 years old. It's essential to pay attention to your own health, and check in on your family friends, in order to know when help is needed.
Mental Health Treatment
Research shows that treatment for mental illness works. With appropriate treatment, people can manage their illness, overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Treatment can include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Mental health services are covered by most health insurance plans. And like physical health conditions, the earlier you get treatment for mental illness, the better.
Ending the Stigma
Mental health impacts us all, and is just as important as physical health. But despite how common mental illness is, there is still stigma and shame about mental health. Stigma leads to silence, and silence leads to people suffering without help. Learning the facts about mental illness and speaking openly about mental health are two essential steps to ending stigma.
Other Resources
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides useful resources and educational information on all things mental health and mental illness.
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers information and resources to learn about and seek help for substance use disorders.
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has suicide-prevention resources, personal stories and ways to get involved with advocacy.
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The JED Foundation offers mental health and suicide-prevention resources for teens, young adults and their families.