Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental illnesses can range from mild to severe, can be situational or long-lasting, and can directly impact physical health — and vice versa. In the United States, it is estimated that more than one in five adults live with some form of mental illness, and one in six U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
Determinants of Mental Health
Understanding the causes of mental illness involves biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Researchers point to adverse childhood experiences such as trauma or a history of abuse; ongoing medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury, cancer, or diabetes; biological factors and chemical imbalances; use of alcohol or drugs; loneliness or isolation; and stress. Whatever the cause, treatments and resources are accessible — from psychological therapy and medication to peer support groups.
Warning Signs
Recognizing warning signs is crucial for early intervention: eating or sleeping too much or too little; pulling away from people and usual activities; having low or no energy; feeling numb, helpless, or hopeless; unexplained aches and pains; increased substance use; unusual confusion, anger, or worry; severe mood swings; persistent intrusive thoughts; hearing voices; thinking of harming yourself or others; or an inability to perform daily tasks.
Effects of Stress
One of the primary contributors to negative mental health is stress. Persistent stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feeling overwhelmed — affecting appetite, energy, concentration, sleep, and physical health, and worsening chronic conditions. It’s essential to recognize the signs of stress and take proactive steps to manage it.
Healthy Practices
Take care of your body. Eat healthy — small steps lead to great change. Get enough sleep — adults need at least seven hours, teenagers nine to ten. Exercise — any physical activity helps, from a high-intensity workout to a light walk outside.
Make time to unwind. Find hobbies that bring you joy — meditation, yoga, painting, reading.
Connect with others. Confide in those you trust. Seek community-based or faith-based organizations — a sports team, church choir, or book club. Having a sense of connection and community can do wonders for your mental well-being.
Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Confidential, free, 24/7.
- Crisis Text Line — text “HELLO” to 741741, available 24/7 throughout the U.S.
- NAMI HelpLine — 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or helpline@nami.org, Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–10 p.m. EST.
- 211 (South Florida) — community helpline and crisis line for Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties.
To hear more about mental health and philanthropy, listen to Kingdom Charitable Trust’s podcast, Heart on Your Sleeve: Focus on Philanthropy. In the inaugural episode, we are joined by Susan Racher, Vice President and CFO of The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation and Board Chairperson of NAMI Miami-Dade — on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.