Community Education What is Mental Health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. 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 health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely. Treatment and recovery are ongoing processes that happen over time. U.S. Department of Human Services National Institute of Mental Health Mental Health Recovery - The four pillars that support recovery are below. Read more here. Health - overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being. Home - having a stable and safe place to live. Purpose - conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society. Community - having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope. Mental Health Treatments - People diagnosed with mental illness can achieve recovery through individual or group treatment. There is no one-treatment that works for everyone - there are many options and it must be personalized. Read more here. Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Read more about it here.