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. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

• Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

• Family history of mental health problems

Positive mental health allows people to:

• Realize their full potential

• Cope with the stresses of life

• Work productively

• Make meaningful contributions to their communities

Ways to maintain positive mental health include:

• Getting professional help if you need it

• Connecting with others

• Staying positive

• Getting physically active

• Helping others

• Getting enough sleep

• Developing coping skills