A recurring question from our readers is: what is mental health?
Similar to our physiological and anatomical health or well-being, mental health refers to the state of our emotional and psychological well-being, and the level of social engagement.
Mental health impacts how we think, feel, act and cope with life. Level of mental health determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Along with physical health, mental health is vital at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence and through adulthood.
Throughout your life, mental health problems can surface in your thinking, feeling, mood, and behaviour, impacting your daily functioning and relationships. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including biological factors, such as genetics or brain chemistry; life experiences, such as trauma or abuse; and family history of mental health problems.
Mental health problems are common, and help is available. With the right help, people enduring mental health problems get better, and many recover completely.