What is Mental Health?

Think of mental health as the soundtrack of someone’s life. Comprising the person’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being, the music can be upbeat at times, and at other times, it’s somber. However, the background melody continually shapes how the person experiences the world, handles stress, builds connections, and finds meaning. Regardless of whether the music hits a high note or skips a beat, someone with good mental health still maintains a sense of harmony.

Mental Health 101

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being that allows people to realize their abilities, cope with life stressors, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their communities ^[1]. But good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It’s actually the foundation of well-being.

Positive mental health encompasses the ability to manage stress, adapt to change, maintain healthy relationships, and make informed decisions that promote overall well-being. It also involves managing emotions in ways that support productive living. For instance, being able to ask for help when needed or resolving conflicts peacefully are signs of good mental health.

However, just as physical health requires multiple systems to work together effectively, mental health is influenced by a wide range of factors ^[1]. Emotional resilience, social support, and biological processes can all impact how someone thinks, feels, and functions. When one of these factors shifts, whether due to stress, genetics, or environmental impacts, effects can ripple outward to touch every aspect of life ^[2].

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

While often used interchangeably, mental health and mental illness are not the same. Mental health is about overall well-being and balance. Meanwhile, mental illness refers to diagnosable conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, that disrupt thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.

It’s important to note, however, that someone can have poor mental health without a diagnosed disorder. Conversely, someone living with a mental illness can still experience periods of good mental well-being with the right support.

Why Mental Health Matters 

Mental health matters because it colors every day. It can shape someone’s patience during a challenging conversation, their focus at work or school, and their ability to make sound decisions. Mental health can even influence physical health and quality of life, affecting aspects such as sleep, energy, and appetite ^[3].

When mental health thrives, life might not be perfect, but it’s manageable and hopeful. When mental health slips or includes a disorder, families, workplaces, and communities can feel the repercussions. To illustrate the point, the following statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness reveal some of the far-reaching effects of mental health disorders, further demonstrating why mental health truly matters ^[4]: 

• Education: Students aged six to 17 with behavioral, emotional, or mental health concerns are three times more likely to repeat a grade.
• Employment: Those with a mental illness are more likely to be unemployed than those without such a condition. 
• Homelessness: More than 21% of the U.S. homeless population has a serious mental health condition.
• Legal Ramifications: Among people who are incarcerated, roughly two out of five have a history of mental illness. 
• Physical Health: Compared to the general population, those with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. 
• U.S. Economic Impact: Each year, serious mental illness costs the U.S. economy more than $193 billion in lost earnings.

Clearly, mental health concerns can affect everything from personal well-being to the economy. Thus, strides to improve mental health can provide far more than individual benefits.

Factors That Influence Mental Health

Given the impact of mental health and related disorders, it’s essential to examine the various factors that influence them. Among them, biology sets the stage for how the brain develops and responds to stress. In fact, family history and genetics seem to increase vulnerability to certain conditions ^[5].

Additionally, brain chemistry, hormonal fluctuations, and structural differences in neural networks can all affect mood regulation, risk for mental health disorders, and response to treatment ^[6]. Similarly, traumatic brain injury as well as prenatal exposure to toxins, environmental stressors, and certain substances may be linked to mental illness ^[2].

However, environmental factors and social determinants of mental health can also influence well-being. For example, stressful life experiences, such as abuse and trauma, as well as the availability of social support, chronic medical conditions, and substance use, can all shape the way people experience the world ^[3]. Similarly, ongoing stress, relationship issues, financial or work concerns, and domestic violence can affect each person’s mental soundtrack. Regardless of these factors, mental health can be strengthened over time. 

Life Stages and Mental Health 

Just like physical health, mental health isn’t fixed. Instead, it ebbs and flows throughout a person’s life, shaped by changing life events, circumstances, relationships, and more. Additionally, various life stages bring unique challenges and opportunities, often influencing the risk for mental health concerns. While early development lays key foundations, adulthood introduces new pressures and responsibilities, and older age may bring additional health changes, personal losses, and fewer opportunities for connection. 

Childhood and Adolescent Development

Childhood and adolescence are formative years for mental health. The brain and body are rapidly developing, and the ways a young person learns to handle stress, relate to others, and cope with change can have lasting effects into adulthood. In addition, this stage of life can include major physical, emotional, and social shifts, while peer relationships, school demands, and identity development can add further stress. 

During this time, it’s imperative to watch for signs of mental health issues. That’s because roughly half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and three-quarters start by age 24 ^[7]. Note, however, that these numbers reflect prevalence; they’re not a prediction of someone’s life path. 

Mental Health in Adulthood

Adulthood often weaves together work, caregiving, finances, and relationships, all of which can influence how someone feels day to day. Thus, mental health can shift dramatically during adulthood. In fact, prevalence data show that in a typical year, roughly one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental illness, and approximately one in 20 has a serious mental illness ^[7]. Once again, however, prevalence doesn’t equate to permanence. Support, treatment, and healthy routines can help adults regain stability and purpose.

Aging and Mental Health 

Growing older brings physical, emotional, and social changes that can also impact mental health. Additionally, grief, chronic illness, loss of connections, and changes in independence can contribute to emotional stress. As such, approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety among the most common conditions ^[8].

The good news is that mental health treatment can be effective at any age. Screening, psychotherapy, medication, and practical support can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior. Just like physical illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, mental health disorders can impact anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or background. In fact, mental health disorders are strikingly common. Insights from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reveal that 61.5 million U.S. adults experienced some form of mental illness in the last year ^[9].

Mental disorders, as well as their severity and treatment options, vary widely.  Some people experience symptoms that require a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and potentially hospitalization. Others, however, have mild symptoms that respond well to therapy or lifestyle changes.

Anxiety Disorders  

Anxiety disorders involve persistent fear, worry, and related physical symptoms that can interfere with daily life. Examples include: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and specific phobias ^[10].

Mood Disorders 

Mood disorders are characterized by persistent changes in a person’s emotional state. Common mood disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymia, with symptoms ranging from prolonged sadness and fatigue to euphoria and extreme mood swings ^[10].

Psychotic Disorders 

Psychotic disorders involve distorted thinking and awareness, which often include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech or behavior. Schizophrenia is the most common example, but schizophreniform disorder and schizoaffective disorder are among other psychotic conditions ^[10].

Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-perception. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), binge-eating disorder, and more ^[10].

Personality Disorders 

Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder, involve long-term patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from cultural expectations. These conditions often begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can make it difficult to relate to others or manage emotions ^[10].

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Typically beginning early in life, neurodevelopmental disorders affect how the brain develops skills for learning, attention, communication, and social interaction. Examples include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and more. Often, these conditions can shape school participation, relationships, and daily routines ^[10].

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders feature recurring, persistent thoughts and repetitive behaviors that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts paired with ritualistic behaviors such as excessive cleaning, checking, or counting. Related disorders include hoarding disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and body dysmorphic disorder ^[10].

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma and stressor-related disorders arise after experiencing or witnessing distressing events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Examples include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, and adjustment disorders. People with these conditions often relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, feel heightened anxiety, or struggle with intense emotional reactions ^[10].

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders involve the harmful or hazardous use of drugs or alcohol. This category includes a host of disorders related to specific substances, such as alcohol, opioids, hallucinogens, inhalants, cannabis, sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics. Substance use disorders often co-occur with other mental health disorders and can lead to severe physical, emotional, and social consequences ^[10].

Signs of Mental Health Disorders

While everyone experiences occasional mood swings or stress, persistent changes that interfere with daily functioning may indicate a mental health concern. Recognizing these signs early can lead to timely support and treatment, improving overall well-being and quality of life.

According to insights from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, common signs of mental illness include ^[11]:

• Persistent sadness or social withdrawal for more than two weeks
• Extreme changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
• Substance misuse, risky or self-destructive behaviors, or thoughts of self-harm
• Panic attacks, comprising a sudden and overwhelming fear, often with physical symptoms
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Hallucinations, i.e., seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real
• Intense worries or fears that interfere with daily living
• Severe difficulty remaining motionless or concentrating

Experiencing one or two symptoms doesn’t mean someone has a disorder. However, it suggests that further investigation and perhaps a professional assessment are warranted.  

Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment

For those with a mental health disorder, securing an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan is a vital step toward improving mental health. While doing so might be scary, it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. In fact, roughly 22.9% of U.S. adults (more than 60 million people) received some form of mental health treatment in 2024 ^[9].

Diagnosis and treatment can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as personal needs and circumstances. However, care typically involves a combination of professional evaluation, psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive services. 

Mental Health Screening and Diagnosis

Mental health screenings provide a quick means of identifying potential concerns, often through brief questionnaires in primary care or mental health settings. If symptoms exist, a diagnostic mental health workup usually begins with a health history, physical exam, and, when appropriate, lab tests to rule out physical health causes. If physical issues aren’t detected, mental health clinicians typically use clinical interviews, observation, and standardized criteria from the DSM-5-TR, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to develop a diagnosis.

Psychotherapy for Mental Health

Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, uses structured conversations, support groups, and skills practice to help reduce symptoms, solve problems, and improve daily functioning. Used on their own or alongside other treatment options such as medication, evidence-based therapeutic approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): As a form of CBT, DBT teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving communication and relationship skills.
• Exposure Therapy: Often used with OCD and various anxiety disorders, exposure therapy reduces anxiety by gradually facing feared situations in a safe setting.

While therapy can be used to treat various diagnosed disorders, it can also help with generalized stress, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. 

Mental Health Medications 

Medications are important treatment components for many mental health conditions. They can reduce symptom intensity, restore brain chemistry balance, and improve daily functioning ^[12]. The choice of medication depends on the specific diagnosis, symptoms, and any other health considerations.

Common types of psychiatric medications include ^[12]:

• Antidepressants: Typically used to treat depression and some forms of anxiety, antidepressants help decrease feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of interest, difficulty concentrating, and more. 
• Mood Stabilizers: These medications treat conditions such as bipolar disorder by regulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain. 
• Antipsychotics: Often used in the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, antipsychotics work by impacting neurotransmitters to decrease symptoms.
• Anti-Anxiety Medications: Anti-anxiety medications treat various anxiety disorders, offering relief for agitation and insomnia. Treatment can be long-term for ongoing anxiety or short-term to relieve temporarily elevated anxiety levels.

Regardless of the type of psychiatric medication, pharmaceuticals often work best when paired with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes ^[12].

A Quick Guide to Getting Help 

Reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, but knowing the first steps makes the process more manageable. Whether symptoms are new, have been building over time, or feel overwhelming right now, help is available. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t wait. Dial 911 for emergency assistance. Or, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The lifeline is confidential and can be reached 24/7.

The following sources can help people locate non-crisis mental health assistance:

• Primary Care Providers: Primary care doctors can screen for mental health conditions, rule out underlying medical issues, and provide referrals to specialists if needed.
• Mental Health Professionals: Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and counselors all play essential roles in diagnosis and treatment. Each offers a different perspective and area of expertise.
• Local and Online Resources: To find a therapist, search via MentalHealth.com, or FindTreatment.gov, a free geographic search tool offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Peers and Support Groups: Enlisting the support of a friend, family member, or peer support group can be an important first step.

Finding help is not a one-size-fits-all process, and it may take time to locate the right provider or treatment plan. What matters most is simply starting the recovery journey.

Creating Mental Health Harmony

Mental health is the underlying score that shapes each person’s life experience. This soundtrack can carry both uplifting melodies and challenging notes, yet it remains integral to daily functioning. Thankfully, people can nurture their own mental health by adjusting the tempo, restoring balance, and approaching life with greater focus and purpose.

Supportive interventions, from therapy and medication to peer support and self-care practices, also help people navigate difficulties and maintain emotional stability. Even small steps, like practicing mindfulness, establishing routines, or seeking professional guidance, contribute to long-term well-being. 

Recognizing mental health as essential, rather than optional, empowers people to take proactive measures in caring for themselves and others. Doing so can not only enhance lives but also strengthen relationships, communities, and society. With support and self-compassion, everyone can create a healthier, more balanced future.