Overview and Tips:

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What is Mental Health?

Mental health isn't just about not being mentally ill, it's also about actually feeling good and being able to grow and thrive. It covers the emotional, psychological, and social side of who we are, and it shapes how well we deal with stress, use our talents, learn, work, and show up for the people around us. Basically, being mentally healthy means you're emotionally steady, adapting well to life's ups and downs, not weighed down by anxiety or symptoms that get in the way, and able to build real relationships while handling the everyday grind.

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Stress and Anxiety

Stress is the reaction your body has mentally and physically to a challenge or threat. A little bit of stress is good and can help us perform daily activities. Too much stress can cause physical and mental health problems. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or uneasiness that can trigger the body's natural “fight-or-flight” response. Because this response involves the whole body, anxiety can cause noticeable physical changes as well as emotional ones. Learning how to cope with stress and anxiety can help us feel less overwhelmed and support our mental and physical well-being. One way to do this is by practicing mindfulness, which is the ability to be present and observe our thoughts without judgment, and to stay calm despite our surroundings. Researchers have found that patients going through mindfulness programs often experience less stress. Another way to cope with stress and/or anxiety is to practice Meditation, which is the practice of exploring the present state of our mind. It asks us to delve into the inner workings of our mind, including our thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

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Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that can affect a person's mood, thoughts, energy, and everyday functioning. Its effects can also appear physically, influencing sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and overall physical well-being. If you feel that you may have depression, it is best to let yourself feel your emotions rather than suppressing them. Talk to a trusted adult, whether that is a parent, sibling, teacher, or therapist. Talking through your emotions is an excellent way to process what you are going through. In terms of daily coping, breaking tasks up and keeping a good routine can be helpful. If you are ever in crisis, please call or text the 988 hotline for help.