Mental Health

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also shapes how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health matters at every stage of life — from childhood and adolescence through adulthood and later years.

What are mental disorders?

Mental disorders are serious conditions that can affect your thinking, mood, and behaviour. They may be occasional or long-lasting. Mental disorders are common — the WHO estimates that nearly 1 in 7 people worldwide lives with one, and many people will be diagnosed at some point in their life. Treatments exist. With help, people with mental disorders can get better, and many recover completely. Access to care in India is still being expanded through the National Mental Health Programme and the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP).

Why is mental health important?

Mental health is important because it helps you:

• Cope with the stresses of life
• Stay physically healthy
• Have good relationships
• Make meaningful contributions to your community
• Work productively
• Realise your full potential

Mental health also affects physical health. Mental disorders can raise your risk for stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

What can affect my mental health?

Many factors affect mental health:

• Biological factors — genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences — trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
• Lifestyle — diet, physical activity, substance use

You can also support your mental health actively — through regular exercise, good sleep, mindfulness or meditation practices, and learning to manage stress.

Can my mental health change over time?

Yes. Your mental health can change as your life does. Dealing with a chronic illness, caring for an unwell relative, or money problems can wear you down and affect your mental health. On the other hand, therapy and good support can improve it.

What are the signs I might have a mental health problem?

It can be hard to tell what is normal and what is not. Warning signs include:

• A change in your eating or sleeping habits
• Withdrawing from people and activities you used to enjoy
• Low or no energy
• Feeling numb, or like nothing matters
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Intrusive thoughts or memories you can't get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others
• Not being able to perform daily tasks — caring for children, going to work or school

What should I do if I think I have a mental health problem?

If you think you may have a mental health problem, get help. Talk therapy and medicines can treat most mental disorders. If you don't know where to start, contact your doctor.