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Mental Health

What is Mental Health

Mental health challenges include a wide range of conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. They can include common conditions like anxiety, depression, or stress, as well as more serious conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Mental health challenges can happen to anyone, and they do not mean someone is weak or “less than” others. Mental health challenges can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of age, background, culture, or income. It’s important to know that mental health struggles are common and treatable, and that help is available through crisis lines, counseling, and community-based programs.

People Dealing with Mental Health Challenges May be Feeling or Experiencing

A Wide Range of Emotions

People with mental health challenges may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed. They might also experience mood swings, irritability, hopelessness, or emptiness. Emotions can change quickly and may feel hard to control.

Changes in Thinking or Concentration

Mental health challenges can affect how someone thinks. They might have trouble focusing, remembering things, making decisions, or solving problems. Some may feel confused or find it hard to follow through on daily tasks.

Physical or Bodily Effects

Mental health challenges can show up in the body as well. People may feel tired all the time, have changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, headaches, stomachaches, or other aches and pains without a clear physical cause.

Changes in Behavior or Daily Routines

Some people might withdraw from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy. They may lose interest in hobbies, school, or work. Others might act more impulsively, avoid responsibilities, or struggle with self-care.

Feelings of Isolation or Worry

People with mental health challenges may feel alone, misunderstood, or disconnected from others. They may worry about being judged or feel hesitant to reach out for help.

Self-doubt or Low Self-esteem

Mental health struggles can make people question themselves, feel worthless, or blame themselves for things that are not their fault. They may feel unsure about their abilities or doubt that things will get better.

Resources & Support

Help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.
Emergency — Call 911
  • National Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline
  • 988
County Resources

Know Your Rights

Your rights related to mental health challenges include:

  • To access mental health services and treatment, including therapy, counseling, and medication, regardless of income or insurance status
  • To receive services in a way that is safe, private, and confidential.
  • To make decisions about your own treatment whenever possible, including accepting or refusing care.
  • To be protected from discrimination based on mental health status in housing, employment, education, or public services.
  • To receive clear explanations about any legal or medical processes affecting your care or freedom.
  • To be treated with respect and dignity by healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other professionals.
  • To ask for accommodations if a mental health condition makes it harder to access services, communicate, or participate fully socially, at work, or at home.
  • To have support from a family member, advocate, or trusted person during appointments or interactions with law enforcement.
  • To know your rights when interacting with law enforcement, including the right to remain calm, ask questions, and request a mental health professional if needed.
  • To report mistreatment, neglect, or rights violations without fear of retaliation.

Sources

National Institute of Mental Health

National Alliance on Mental Health

Americans with Disabilities Act Government Website