Mental Health

Mental Health and physical health are of equal components which make up an individual's overall health. For example, depression can increase the risk of many physical problems. This is particularly true in long-lasting conditions such as: diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same thing. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

It is important to remember that a person's mental health can change over time depending on many factors. When the demands placed on a person exceeds their recourses and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted.

The following factors can contribute to the risk of mental illness: Early adverse life experiences such as trauma or a history of abuse, experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain, use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness or isolation.