Understand

What is mental health?

The term mental health gets thrown around a lot these days. Well, what does it actually mean? According to the World Health Organization, mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts how we handle stressful situations, relate to others, and make effective choices.
** Strengthening Mental Health Promotion External. Fact sheet no. 220. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

Your mental health can change over time. Life stressors, such as standardized tests, social pressure, or arguments with parents can impact your mental health.

There are many different terms to refer to mental health– some may refer to it as behavioral health, mental illness, psychiatric illness, or psychological illness. All these terms actually mean the same thing.

How does mental health relate to overall health? Mental health and physical health are equally important contributors to your overall health.
**Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health, CDC
Similar to physical health, mental health is on a continuum. You may shift back and forth along this continuum in different situations or at different times

Mental Health Continuum

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  • Very Anxious
  • Very Low Mood
  • Missing School
  • Withdrawing From Activities
  • Exhausted
  • Weight Loss
  • Anxious
  • Depressed
  • Tired
  • Poor Performance
  • Poor Sleep
  • Poor Appetite
  • Worried
  • Nervous
  • Irritable
  • Sad
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Distracted
  • Positive
  • Calm
  • Performing
  • Sleeping Well
  • Eating Normally
  • Normal Social Activity
  • Cheerful
  • Excited About Life
  • Performing To Potential
  • Engaged Socially
  • Sleeping Well
  • Experiences Full Range Of Emotions

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