Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Mental health is a crucial dimension of overall health and an essential resource for living. It influences how we feel, perceive, think, communicate and understand. Without good mental health, people can be unable to fulfil their full potential or play a active part in everyday life. Mental health issues can address many areas, from enhancing our emotional well-being, treating and preventing severe mental illness to the prevention of suicide.

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives that affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or social background. Without care and treatment, mental health problems can have a serious affect on the individual and those around them. Every year more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people commit suicide.

• Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs
• Physical/mental health interactions
• Suicide
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders

There is no single cause of mental health problems; the reasons they develop are as complex as the individual. Mental health problems are more common in certain groups, for example, people with poor living conditions, those from ethnic minority groups, disabled people, homeless people and offenders. Sometimes people with mental health problems are discriminated against. This can lead to social problems such as homelessness, and may make the mental health problem worse.

People with mental health problems need help and support to enable them to cope with their illness. There are many treatment options, including medication, counselling, psychotherapy, complementary therapies and self help strategies. It is important that people with mental illnesses are told about the options available so they can make a decision about what treatment suits them best.

Another important step in the recovery process is for the person to accept that they are ill, and to want to get better. This can take time and it is important for family and friends to be supportive. There are also many support groups and charities that offer advice, confidential counselling and information about the types of treatment available and where to get help.