Mental health includes our 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.

Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year.

• Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry.

• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse.

• Family history of mental health problems.

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for weeks.

• Trying to harm or kill oneself.

• Severe out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.

• Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason.

• Significant weight loss or weight gain.

• Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren’t real.

• Repeatedly using drugs or alcohol.

• Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or sleeping habits.

• Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.

• Intense fears that get in the way of daily activities.