Mental health is the ability to cope with life’s challenges and maintain productive activities. It involves healthy, trusting relationships with family and friends, a sense of purpose in life, and the ability to take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
A person’s mental health also includes a sense of hope and confidence in the future, as well as the capacity to manage stress and establish good coping strategies. People can have a range of mental illnesses, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research shows that people with serious mental illness benefit from access to treatment and recovery supports. Early identification and intervention reduces harm related to the course of illness and increases the chance for recovery, including a meaningful measure of achievement and independence.
Some of the newest treatments for mental health conditions focus on building skills and resilience, rather than simply treating symptoms. These include mindfulness meditation, dialectical behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. Psychologists use these and other evidence-based approaches to treat a variety of disorders.
Stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. It affects political enthusiasm, charitable fundraising and support for local services and underfunds research on mental illness relative to other medical conditions.
Employers are recognizing the value of mental wellness programs. Booz Allen Hamilton, a McLean, Va.-based management consulting firm, and Johnson & Johnson are among many companies that provide employees with resources like mental health screenings and counseling through texting apps.