Mental Health

What is mental health?

“Mental health” refers to our cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. It describes a state of mind and/or behavioral adjustment that allows us to operate productively in the world, cope effectively with stressors, maintain constructive or satisfying relationships, and manage emotions adequately so as not to impair functioning.

Why is mental health important?

Our mental health affects how we act, think, and feel, and impacts our relationships, physical health, productivity, and attitude. Good mental health allows us to be emotionally present in our lives, demonstrate resilience and manage stress, and make healthy choices.  Our state of mental wellness influences our self-esteem and our ability to find value and meaning in life.

What are mental health disorders?

Mental health disorders are conditions that impact our thoughts, feelings, and actions significantly enough to interfere with daily functioning or considerably impair our ability to regulate mood, connect with others, or recognize purpose.

Types of mental health disorders can range in severity and duration, and signs and symptoms vary greatly across different diagnoses. Many factors can contribute to mental health disorders, such as trauma or abuse, adverse life events, substance use, environmental stressors, biological or genetic influences, and other circumstances.

How to improve mental health?

Consistently incorporating healthy practices into daily life can support and promote mental wellness. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding mind and mood-altering substances, and getting adequate sleep are vital for mental health, as are activities that support emotional regulation, self-care, and connection with others.

Strategies & Habits to Improve Mental Health

• • Actively maintaining and utilizing a support system

• • Identifying and regularly participating in leisure activities; making time for fun

• • Developing relaxation practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation

• • Talking to others about your feelings, fears, needs, and goals

• • Making time for reflection – practicing gratitude and mindfulness, journaling, reading

• • Maintaining boundaries regarding demands on your time; balancing priorities

• • Utilizing professional support, such as therapy or medication

How does exercise improve mental health?

Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and self-esteem and in decreasing stress.  Exercise triggers a release of natural brain chemicals that can directly improve mood, but exercise can also have other benefits, such as improving energy and self-confidence, connection with others, and providing a healthy outlet for emotions.

Mental health warning signs

Warning signs can vary among individuals, though a significant or extended change from a person’s normal, or baseline, behaviors can be cause for concern.

Mental health warning signs may include:

• • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

• • Lack of energy, persistent fatigue, unexplained physical complaints

• • Excessive substance use

• • Extreme mood swings

• • Social withdrawal

• • Cognitive disruptions such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, low energy, or confusion that cannot be explained by other existing diagnoses/conditions

• • Excessive unexplained fear or anxiety

• • Detachment from reality, hallucinations, or paranoia,

• • Significant changes in sleep or appetite

• • Decreased personal care or hygiene

• • Overall sense of apathy or detachment

How to support someone with mental health issues? 

Be present. Express concern and support; listen, ask questions, and be responsive, but avoid judging or minimizing the person’s feelings or experience. Rather than trying to “fix” the problem or attempting to convince the person of a “more rational” interpretation of their experience, let them know you care, that they are not alone, and that their needs matter. Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help.

Where to seek mental health support:

Community mental health centers and local health departments can provide a variety of mental health services. Your primary care provider or insurance company may be able to offer a list of referrals to mental health professionals. Employers often offer confidential employee assistance programs (EAPs). Faith communities or other organizations can provide connection and support.  For information about mental health and related resources, contact National or local mental health resources such as NAMI (www.nami.org), NIMH (nimh.nih.gov), or SAMHSA (www.samhsa.gov or 1-800-662-HELP).

Visit the Jewish Family Service LA’s mental health services page for more information.

Mental Health Facts & Statistics: 

• • Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year.

• • Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness did not receive mental health services in the previous year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

• • Los Angeles has one of the largest homeless populations in the United States, with mental illness being a significant contributing factor, according to the LA Homeless Services Authority.

• • Certain communities in Los Angeles, including low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, experience disparities in access to mental health care and resources. (LA County Department of Mental Health)