Mental Health Summary Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Mental illnesses are serious disorders which can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. There are many causes of mental disorders. Your genes and family history may play a role. Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, may also matter. Biological factors can also be part of the cause. Mental disorders are common, but treatments are available. National Institute of Mental Health Find an Expert American Psychiatric Association American Psychiatric Association National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Mental Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Specifics Anger Management Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Building Self-Esteem: A Self-Help Guide Center for Mental Health Services Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Self-Esteem Check: Too Low, Too High or Just Right? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Stress: How to Cope Better with Life’s Challenges American Academy of Family Physicians Latest News Children with Cushing Syndrome May Have Higher Suicide Risk National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Previous Mental Distress May Slow Concussion Recovery HealthDay Young Gay, Bisexual Men May Be At Higher Risk for Suicide, Study Finds HealthDay Study Asks, What Is a ‘Good Death’? HealthDay Young Transgender Women May Face Mental Health Woes HealthDay Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Mental Health National Institutes of Health NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Emotions and Health Related Issues For a Healthy Mind and Body Talk to a Psychologist American Psychological Association Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Friendships: Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research How to Be Happy: Tips for Cultivating Contentment Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Mental Health and Heart Health American Heart Association Mindfulness Exercises: How to Get Started Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Road to Resilience American Psychological Association Women Good Mental Health Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Women’s Mental Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Array Learn to manage your anger Start Here Live Your Life Well Mental Health America Mental Health: Keeping Your Emotional Health American Academy of Family Physicians Mind/Body Connection: How Your Emotions Affect Your Health American Academy of Family Physicians Positive Emotions and Your Health: Developing a Brighter Outlook National Institutes of Health What Is Mental Health? Department of Health and Human Services Treatments and Therapies Meditation: An Introduction National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Relaxation Techniques for Health: An Introduction National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Yoga for Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Children MedlinePlus: Child Mental Health National Library of Medicine Teenagers MedlinePlus: Teen Mental Health National Library of Medicine Men Mental Health for Men Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Diagnosis and Tests Mental Health: What’s Normal, What’s Not? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Journal Articles Mental health