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What is mental health?

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 healthy choices. ¹ Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Why is mental health important for overall health?

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. ²

Can your mental health change over time?

Yes, it's important to remember that a person's mental health can change over time, depending on many factors. When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted. For example, if someone is working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.

How common are mental illnesses?

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.

Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.⁵

About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.⁶

What causes mental illness?

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as

Adverse Childhood Experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)

Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes

Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain

Use of alcohol or drugs

Having feelings of loneliness or isolation

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Learn basic public health information about mental health including causes and types of mental illness.

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Identifying signs and symptoms of mental or behavioral health challenges is an important part of the process of taking care of your overall health. Mental health screenings are a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about may need to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional for an evaluation. They are educational, not diagnostic. The Continue Reading

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CT.gov - Connecticut's Official State Website

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Return to the V.I.T.A.L. Resources for Youth and their Caregivers Homepage

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Crisis Text Line | Text HOME To 741741 free, 24/7 Crisis Counseling

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Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We're here for everything: anxiety, depression, suicide, school. Text HOME to 741741.

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Mental Health Services CT | CT Suicide Advisory Board

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Find mental health resources and services for yourself or a loved one who may be considering suicide or struggling with addiction or other issues.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions - What is SAMHSA’s National Helpline?

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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If you or someone you know has a mental illness, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

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Suicide IS Preventable

Are you worried for yourself or someone else?
Are you thinking about suicide?

Do you feel you have tried everything, and nothing seems to make the pain go away?

Do you feel like you have no where to turn?

Do you feel like your answer is suicide?

If you live in Connecticut, please take one moment and dial 2 1 1 and press 1

If outside of CT dial 1-800-273 8255

Visit http://www.preventsuicidect.org/

Other Help

2-1-1 eLibrary Papers on Mental Health Care Related Topics

Healthylivesct.org - HealthyLivesCT website focuses on overall wellness programs and services to assist Connecticut residents with helping to lower stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions. HealthyLivesCT targets emotional, physical, holistic, and financial wellness by providing screening tools, and links to information and options to help individuals attain a sense of well-being.

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Are you worried for yourself or someone else? Are you thinking about suicide? Do you feel you have tried everything, and nothing seems to make the pain go away? Do you feel like you have no where to turn? Do you feel like your answer is suicide?