Mental health is defined by how we think, feel, behave and interact with others in the course of our daily lives. Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. When we're in a good state of mental health, we're productive and we adapt well to change and adversity. We don't always feel blissfully happy, but we're able to handle life's ups and downs with reasonable ease.
When we lose the ability to handle life's challenges effectively and with good perspective, a mental health disorder may be the root of the problem that needs attention. There are many kinds of mental illness – depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others – and while we don't know all the causes, we do know this: they are real medical conditions, equally as important to address as physical ailments. They are not the result of weakness or personal failing, and they are usually highly treatable.
View information about specific mental illnesses and treatment.
Download mental illness fact sheets.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of a mental health challenge, it's time to read up, listen up, speak up, and follow up. Help is available and with proper treatment, recovery is possible.
