What is Mental Health?

Mental health pertains to our emotional, psychological, and social health. It affects how we think, feel, and act. The scope of mental strength also evaluates how we handle the stress, relate with others, and make choices. Mental health is imperative at every phase of life from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Mental health problems may affect a person’s thoughts, mood, and behavior over the course of his or her life. Various factors contribute to a person’s mental health problems, including:

• Biologically determined factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as abuse or trauma
• Family history of mental health issues

Mental health illnesses are common but help is available here at the Neuroscience Institute Mental Health Treatment Center. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

Mental Health Early Warning Signs

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others
• Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Learn more about specific mental health problems and where to find help.

Mental Health Wellness

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

Getting Help

The Neuroscience Institute offers a variety of mental health solutions. If interested in learning more please contact one of our knowledgeable counselors for a no-obligation call.