What Is Mental Health? A Simple Guide to Understanding What Mental Health Is And How It Supports Your Wellbeing
We hear the term often "mental health", but what is it, really?
Most of us know it has something to do with how we feel, but it’s much more than that. Mental health is a vital part of our overall wellbeing. It shapes how we think, feel, and behave—and affects every part of our daily life.
Understanding what mental health is can help us take better care of ourselves and others. It’s not just something to think about when things go wrong; it’s something to pay attention to every day.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is about how you feel, think, and cope with everyday life. It includes your emotions, your thoughts, and how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Just like physical health, your mental health can change from day to day—and taking care of it helps you feel balanced, think clearly, and enjoy life more.
It affects how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time. It means being able to experience a full range of emotions and still manage daily responsibilities, relationships, and challenges.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” It’s about more than just avoiding mental illness—it’s about living well.
Why Mental Health Matters
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, or low. These experiences are part of being human.
But when these feelings last a long time or start affecting your day-to-day life, it’s a sign that your mental health may need attention.
Knowing what mental health is helps you recognize early signs that something might be off—whether in yourself or someone you care about. It also gives you the language and confidence to ask for help when you need it.
What Affects Mental Health?
Mental health is influenced by many things, including:
Life experiences like trauma or loss
Relationships with family, friends, and coworkers
Physical health, including sleep, diet, and exercise
Your environment at home, school, or work
Genetics and brain chemistry
Access to support and healthcare
Some of these are outside your control, but many can be managed with awareness and support.
How to Support Your Mental Health
Caring for your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to support it:
Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling
Move your body every day, even just a short walk
Get enough sleep and rest
Practice deep breathing or mindfulness
Spend time doing something that brings you joy
Take breaks from screens and social media
Reach out for help when things feel too heavy
Start With Awareness
Now that you know what mental health is, you can start making small choices to take care of it. Everyone’s mental health journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is that you pay attention, stay curious, and treat yourself with kindness along the way.
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Want to learn more about building a healthier mind and emotional resilience? Head over to the Healthy Mind section on Orendara for helpful tips, guides, and trusted resources to support your wellbeing. We're always publishing more information about how to support mental wellbeing and your general health.