Mental health is a person’s condition concerning their emotional and psychological well-being. It is part of our overall health and well-being, which also includes physical and spiritual health.
Mental health is a state of well-being, where a person can:
- Realize their own abilities
- Cope with normal stresses in life
- Perform fulfilling work
- Contribute to their community
Various attitudes and life circumstances affect mental health—in positive or negative ways.
For example:
- Relationships with people around you
- Setting and achieving goals
- Self-esteem
- Dealing with stress
- Making choices and decisions
- Positive thinking
- Enjoying life
Mental health, physical health, and spiritual health are all connected. For example, a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) may feel anxious, afraid, and sad. These feelings may create physical symptoms such as trouble breathing, sweating, and a faster heartbeat.
Being healthy means taking care of your physical, spiritual, and mental health.