According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood". It is not uncommon for your mental health to change during your lifetime in response to both internal and external changes in your environment.

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Why is Mental Health Important?

Mental health is important because it affects how we view the outside world, impacts the actions we take, and how we feel.  It also influences our relationships with others, how we handle stress, and our decisions regarding making healthy choices.

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Mental Illnesses are one of the most common health conditions in the United States.  Just like other medical illnesses, mental illness is treatable!!

• More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.

• Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.

• About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

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While there is no one cause for mental illness, there are a number of things that can contribute to a mental health challenge or crisis.  They can include: 

1. Adverse Childhood Experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)

2. Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as a traumatic brain injury, cancer, or diabetes

3. Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain

4. Use of alcohol or drugs

5. Having feelings of loneliness or isolation