Mental health is our ability to engage with our emotions, thoughts, interactions with others, and the world around us. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day and plays a big role in overall wellbeing. We all have tough days and weeks, and everyone manages their mental health every day. Just like with our physical health, we can do things that make us mentally healthier and happier. When you feel mentally well, you’re more able to enjoy life and the people in it, feel better about yourself, keep up with fulfilling relationships, and manage stress.  

Experiencing poor mental health is not the same as having a mental health condition.

A mental health condition, or mental illness, refers to a set of symptoms that have been identified by a health provider. People with mental health conditions experience change in emotions, thinking, and/or behavior. For some, this means extreme and unexpected changes in mood, like feeling more sad or worried than usual. For others, it means not thinking clearly, pulling away from friends and activities you used to enjoy, or hearing voices that others do not. Mental illness is treatable; it is not always a permanent state of being. 

Exploring your mental health will help you better understand what you need to support your mental wellbeing. Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your mental wellbeing isn’t just self-care—it’s an investment in your future.  

The best way to protect mental health is to pay attention to it even when you’re feeling okay or even good. Becoming more aware of what disrupts your mental health will help you learn what actions, tools, and resources may be useful to help you when you need it. Mental health is not only about what we do as individuals, but also how we are supported in our communities. There are many ways to take action – big and small – to improve mental health for yourself and for those around you.  

Explore what resources are out there to support your mental health and wellbeing. 

• The KU Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing provides a comprehensive, interactive community resource database searchable by keyword or categories like: Mental Health, Legal, Financial, Food Insecurity, Housing, LGBTQIA+, etc. Explore the KU Employee Resource Database 

• Mental health is all around us but is often misunderstood. The Roadmap to Mental Health by the Mental Health Coalition, can explain more what we mean when we say, “mental health.”  

• Take action by checking on your mental health with a free, quick, anonymous test at Take a Mental Health Test – Mental Health America. 

• Research has found several ways that you can keep yourself healthy. Check out these Keys to Mental Wellbeing from Berkely University Greater Good Magazine.

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