Mental health involves our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices and decisions. Mental wellness is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. However, a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on several factors. Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States:

• 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year
• 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness
• 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

There are many reasons why we should care about mental health: positive mental well-being can increase productivity, enhance our self-image, and help improve relationships. Moreover, nurturing mental health not only allows us to perform better in our daily functions, but also helps us control — or at least combat — some of the physical health problems directly linked to mental health conditions. 

However, we need to de-stigmatize how we think about, approach, and identify mental health issues in our society, and make a conscious effort to spread mental health awareness. Stigmas surrounding mental illness discourage people from seeking help and hinder early detection/prevention. Standing up to mental health stigma is a great way to support our own mental health and give a voice to those who are suffering in silence.