What is mental health?
We all have mental health in the same way that we all have physical 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 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 behaviour 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
Mental health problems are common (one in 4 people will struggle with their mental health in any given year) and there is lots of help and support available (see our where to get help page).
Good mental health means being generally able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need and want to live your life. But if you go through a period of poor mental health you might find the ways you’re frequently thinking, feeling or reacting become difficult, or even impossible, to cope with.
Looking after our mental health
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Diet - There is a link between what we eat and how we feel so it’s important to have a healthy, balanced diet for both your body and mind.
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Exercise – It’s not just good for your body, it is great for your mind too!
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Take time to relax - Whether it is listening to music, reading a good book, watching a relaxing film or doing some breathing exercises, making time for you is important.
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Quality Sleep - A good night’s sleep matters more than you think. Switch off all tech before you get into bed.
- Talk to someone - Sharing what’s bothering you can help to make it feel more manageable.
Five ways to wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life
Connect
Talk & Listen, Be There, Feel Connected
Be Active
Do what you can do, Enjoy what you do, Move your mood
Take Notice
Remember the simple things that give you joy
Keep Learning
Embrace new experiences, see opportunities, Surprise yourself
Give
Your Time, your Words, Your Presence