Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellness. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health helps us determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make various choices. It is also important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

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.