Mental and behavioral 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 to our twilight years.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior 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, but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better, and many recover completely.

Early Warning Signs

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

Mental Health and Wellness

• A positive mental health allows people to:
• Realize their full potential
• Cope with the stresses of life
• Work productively
• Make meaningful contributions to their communities
• Fortunately, there are many ways to maintain positive mental health, including:
• Getting professional help if you need it
• Connecting with others
• Staying positive
• Getting physically active
• Helping others
• Getting enough sleep
• Developing coping skills
• And that’s where we can help.