Mental Health Definition

Mental Health Definition

Mental health is the capacity to cope with life’s difficulties. This includes emotional well-being, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, as well as the capacity to form healthy relationships and function normally in everyday life.

Mental health can be greatly influenced by factors such as family history, social environment and current life stage. Furthermore, how a person interacts with other people also has an effect on them.

Mental illness presents with a range of symptoms that may appear suddenly or over time. Sometimes the signs are obvious and interfere with daily living activities; other times they’re more subtle and cannot be detected until they significantly impact someone’s quality of life.

In many countries, the prevalence and incidence of different psychiatric disorders varies. Some are more prevalent in certain age groups (e.g., anorexia nervosa is more frequent during adolescence, while schizophrenia appears later in life).

Diagnosing a mental disorder requires gathering information during initial interviews with the patient. This may include performing physical and neurological exams as well as reviewing details from their personal and family history.

Treatment of bipolar disorder aims to lessen its symptoms through medication, lifestyle modifications and social support. It may be provided by a mental health practitioner (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor) in either hospital settings, residential facilities or community-based services.