Further Reading & Resources for Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire
The effect of Mental health disorders person's thinking, emotions, behavior, or ability to function in daily life.
Mental health disorders refer to a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s mood, thinking, emotions, and behavior. These conditions can influence how individuals cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
It is important to recognize that experiencing occasional emotional distress or mental health challenges is common. However, a mental health concern may be considered a disorder when symptoms are persistent, cause significant distress, and interfere with daily functioning — such as performance at school or work, relationships, or self-care.
Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. They can range from mild to severe and may be temporary or long-lasting. Without appropriate support, symptoms may worsen over time.
The good news is that mental health disorders are treatable. Many people experience significant improvement with appropriate care. Treatment often includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), lifestyle adjustments, and social support. Early recognition and intervention can greatly improve outcomes and overall quality of life.
For more information, visit Mayo Clinic online
Mental health disorders can stem from genetic factors, environmental influences, and neurological imbalances.
Mental health disorders emerge from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental influences — often described as the interplay between nature and nurture. Genetic predisposition can increase an individual’s vulnerability to conditions such as depression or schizophrenia, while environmental experiences — including trauma, social stress, and early life adversity — may trigger or shape how these vulnerabilities are expressed.
Gene–Environment Interaction
Mental health outcomes are shaped by the dynamic interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental context. A genetic predisposition does not guarantee the development of a disorder; protective environments, early support, and coping resources can buffer risk. Conversely, significant or prolonged adversity may contribute to mental health difficulties even in individuals without strong genetic susceptibility.
Understanding this interaction helps shift the perspective from blame to complexity, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and the importance of supportive environments in promoting mental wellbeing.
Key Factors in Mental Health Disorders
• Genetic Factors:
Inherited genetic variations can increase susceptibility to certain conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Most mental health disorders are influenced by multiple genes working together rather than a single “disease gene,” meaning genetic risk is probabilistic rather than deterministic.• Environmental Influences:
Life experiences play a critical role in the onset and progression of mental health conditions. Exposure to child maltreatment, chronic stress, violence, poverty, social isolation, or early neglect can increase risk, while protective factors such as stable relationships and supportive communities can promote resilience.• Neurological Processes:
Brain chemistry and structure contribute to emotional regulation, cognition, and behavior. Differences in neurotransmitter systems — such as serotonin and dopamine — are associated with mood, motivation, and perception. Research also points to changes in brain connectivity and stress-response systems as important components in many disorders.For more information visit The National Institute of Mental Health online
How highly stressful situations may contribute to mental health disorders
Chronic, intense, or traumatic stress is a significant risk factor for the development of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. When stress is prolonged, the body’s stress response system remains activated, creating a state of ongoing alertness that can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and the worsening of existing mental health conditions. Persistent stress also affects physical health, contributing to sleep disturbances, fatigue, weakened immunity, and increased risk for chronic illness.
Key Impacts of Stress on Mental Health
Development of Mental Health Disorders:
High, persistent stress disrupts the brain's dopamine system, often leading to reduced dopamine production. This is strongly associated with the onset and persistence of anxiety, depression, and substance use difficulties.Cognitive and Emotional Effects:
High stress can impair concentration, decision-making, and memory while increasing irritability, anger, loneliness, and feelings of overwhelm or helplessness.Physiological Responses:
Ongoing activation of the stress response disrupts normal nervous system functioning, affecting sleep, energy regulation, and emotional stability.Brain and Neurobiological Changes:
Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can influence brain regions involved in mood regulation, threat detection, and executive functioning, sometimes contributing to persistent tension and heightened sensitivity to stress.Common Sources of Stress
Traumatic Experiences:
Experiencing or witnessing violence, disasters, abuse, or other traumatic events can have lasting psychological effects.Major Life Changes:
Bereavement, serious illness, injury, relocation, relationship changes, or other significant transitions can increase vulnerability to stress.Ongoing Daily Pressures:
Sustained work demands, financial strain, caregiving responsibilities, discrimination, or social isolation can accumulate and lead to chronic stress.Managing Stress and Reducing Risk
Proactive Coping:
Identifying stress triggers and building coping strategies — such as mindfulness, physical activity, healthy routines, and supportive relationships — can strengthen resilience and reduce risk.Early Support and Help-Seeking:
Recognizing when stress becomes overwhelming and seeking professional or community support is an important step in preventing longer-term mental health consequences.Understanding the role of stress highlights the importance of prevention, self-awareness, and accessible support systems in promoting mental wellbeing.
More information can be found online at Mayo Clinic, and at National Institute of Mental Health.
An important factor when determining if there is a mental health disorder involves the length of time a person has been struggling with a particular set of symptoms.
In mental health assessment, duration is a key diagnostic factor. Mental health disorders are defined by symptoms that are persistent, significant, and impair daily functioning — not by brief or occasional emotional reactions. Everyone experiences sadness, worry, or stress at times. What distinguishes a clinical condition is how long symptoms last, how severe they are, and how much they interfere with work, school, relationships, or self-care.
For example, Major Depressive Disorder typically requires symptoms to be present for at least two weeks, while Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) involves symptoms lasting one month or longer following a traumatic event. These timeframes help professionals distinguish temporary distress from diagnosable conditions.
How Duration Is Used in Assessment
Initial Evaluation:
Healthcare providers often begin by asking when symptoms started and how consistently they have been present. This helps determine whether the symptoms meet established diagnostic time thresholds.Differentiating Temporary Stress from Disorder:
Short-term reactions to stressful events — such as grief, shock, or acute stress — may be intense but often improve with time and support. In contrast, symptoms that persist, worsen, or significantly disrupt daily functioning are more likely to indicate a diagnosable mental health condition.If emotional or behavioral symptoms are ongoing and interfering with your ability to function, seeking a professional evaluation can help clarify whether they meet diagnostic criteria and what types of support may be beneficial. Early assessment can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes.
For more information, visit The National Institute of Mental Health online.
Ages at which a person can be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Mental, emotional, and behavioral health conditions are common among children and adolescents in the United States. Approximately 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 have a diagnosed mental health condition. Prevalence increases during adolescence, with as many as 1 in 3 youth ages 12–17 experiencing significant mental health challenges. Anxiety disorders are the most frequently reported, followed by depression and behavioral or conduct-related conditions.
Treatment Gaps
Despite the high prevalence, many children do not receive adequate care. Only a minority of youth with mental health concerns access services from specialized mental health providers. Data indicate that nearly half of children with a diagnosable condition have unmet treatment needs, highlighting barriers such as cost, provider shortages, stigma, and limited access to culturally responsive care.
Demographic Patterns
Mental health diagnoses vary by age and gender. Older youth (ages 12–17) are more likely to receive a diagnosis than younger children. Girls tend to report higher rates of anxiety and depression, while boys are more frequently diagnosed with behavioral or conduct-related disorders. These patterns reflect a combination of biological, developmental, social, and help-seeking differences.
Understanding these trends supports early identification, reduces stigma, and emphasizes the importance of accessible prevention and treatment services for young people and their families.
More information can be found online at The CDC.
The effect that learning a person has sought psychological help can have on our impression of them.
Stigma surrounding mental health remains a major barrier to care. Many individuals worry that seeking support will lead others to view them as weak, less capable, or of lower social status. Although public awareness has improved, fear of judgment often contributes to self-stigma — when individuals internalize negative beliefs about mental health and hesitate to seek help. In some communities, particularly those that strongly value reputation, strength, or self-reliance, concerns about social standing can further discourage care.
Key Findings on Public Stigma
Persistent Negative Perceptions:
Research suggests many people believe others will view someone less favorably for seeking counseling, even as overall attitudes toward mental health gradually improve.Perceived vs. Actual Stigma:
Studies show a gap between what people think others believe and what individuals personally report. Many expect judgment from others, yet far fewer say they would judge someone themselves — indicating that public disapproval is often overestimated.Gender and Cultural Influences:
Some individuals, particularly men in cultures that emphasize toughness and emotional control, may perceive help-seeking as a threat to identity or reputation, increasing reluctance to access services.Generational Patterns:
Younger adults sometimes report higher levels of shame or uncertainty about whether mental health conditions require treatment, though this group is also more likely to discuss mental health openly than previous generations. This reflects a complex mix of increased awareness alongside lingering stigma.
Impact on Behavior
Avoidance of Care:
Fear of judgment can delay or prevent individuals from seeking mental health services, even when symptoms are significant.Concealment:
Some people choose to hide their struggles or their use of therapy due to concerns about social or professional consequences.
A Changing Landscape
While stigma remains a barrier, attitudes are shifting. Public education, lived-experience advocacy, workplace initiatives, and expanded access to care are helping normalize conversations about mental health. Improving mental health literacy can reduce misconceptions, encourage early help-seeking, and promote more supportive communities.
Additional discussion on this topic, visit this article from Psychology Today.
Depression has a significant symptom of the loss of interest or pleasure in activities or relationships that were previously healthy and enjoyable.
One of the core symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is anhedonia — a reduced ability to experience pleasure or interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Research suggests that anhedonia affects a significant majority of individuals diagnosed with depression.
What Is Anhedonia?
Anhedonia is the diminished capacity to feel joy, satisfaction, or emotional connection. People often describe it as:
Feeling emotionally numb
Experiencing life as “flat” or “colorless”
Going through daily activities without enjoyment or motivation
Importantly, anhedonia is not simply feeling sad. It reflects a loss of positive emotion — even during events that would normally bring happiness or fulfillment.
Impact on Daily Life and Relationships
Because enjoyment and reward are central to motivation, anhedonia can significantly affect functioning. Individuals may:
Lose interest in hobbies, work, or creative activities
Withdraw from friends and family
Avoid social events or community involvement
Struggle with intimacy or emotional connection
Over time, this withdrawal can increase isolation and reinforce depressive symptoms.
Clinical Significance
Anhedonia is considered a cardinal symptom of depression and is one of the primary criteria clinicians assess when making a diagnosis. For Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms — including either persistent low mood or anhedonia — must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
The presence of significant anhedonia is often associated with:
Greater functional impairment
Increased risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
More severe or treatment-resistant depressive episodes
Understanding anhedonia improves mental health literacy by helping individuals recognize that depression is not only about sadness — it can also involve a profound loss of pleasure, motivation, and emotional responsiveness.
More information can be found online at Mental Health America.
A person with schizophrenia may see or hear things that no one else sees and hears.
Many people living with schizophrenia experience hallucinations — sensory perceptions that occur without an external source but feel vivid and real. These experiences may involve seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that others do not perceive. Auditory hallucinations, commonly described as hearing voices, are the most frequent and affect a large proportion of individuals with the condition.
These experiences can be neutral, confusing, or highly distressing. Voices may comment on a person’s actions, express criticism, or give instructions, which can increase fear, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating.
Common Types of Hallucinations
Auditory (Voices):
The most common form. Individuals may hear one or more voices that comment, argue, or provide commands.Visual:
Seeing people, objects, lights, or patterns that are not present.Olfactory and Tactile:
Some individuals report smelling odors others cannot detect or feeling physical sensations, such as being touched when no one is there.
Why Hallucinations Occur
Research suggests hallucinations are linked to differences in brain functioning, particularly in areas involved in perception, language, and self-monitoring. One theory is that the brain may have difficulty distinguishing internal thoughts or mental imagery from external sensory input. Importantly, hallucinations are real experiences to the person having them, even when others cannot perceive them.
Impact on Daily Life
Hallucinations can be frightening, distracting, and exhausting. They may contribute to fear, social withdrawal, sleep disruption, or behaviors that appear confusing or irrational to others. The level of distress varies widely — some people experience severe disruption, while others learn ways to cope.
Support and Management
Treatment:
Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to reduce the frequency and intensity of hallucinations. Psychological therapies, coping strategies, and supportive services can also help individuals manage distress and improve functioning.Support from Others:
Family members and friends can help by staying calm, acknowledging the person’s feelings, and avoiding arguments about whether the experience is “real.” Offering reassurance, encouraging professional support, and maintaining a predictable, supportive environment can be beneficial.Understanding hallucinations as a symptom — rather than a personal choice or character flaw — is an important part of reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy.
Additional information can be found online at The National Institute of Health.
Understanding how anxiety disorders may may often involve avoidance behaviors and impairments in daily functioning.
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive fear or worry that goes beyond typical stress and interferes with daily life. These conditions often lead to distress, physical symptoms, and avoidance of situations perceived as threatening. Common anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and specific phobias. Without support, avoidance behaviors can limit social participation, work or school functioning, and overall quality of life.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Ongoing, difficult-to-control worry about everyday concerns such as health, work, finances, or family responsibilities, often accompanied by restlessness, tension, and fatigue.Panic Disorder:
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort — that may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fear of losing control. Individuals may begin avoiding places where attacks have occurred.Social Anxiety Disorder:
A strong, persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations, which can lead to avoidance of conversations, presentations, or public activities.Specific Phobias:
Intense fear of particular objects or situations (such as flying, heights, medical procedures, or animals) that leads to immediate anxiety and active avoidance.Agoraphobia:
Fear of places or situations where escape may feel difficult or help may not be available if anxiety occurs, sometimes resulting in restricted travel or leaving home less frequently.Separation Anxiety Disorder:
Excessive fear or distress related to separation from attachment figures. While common in children, it can also occur in adolescents and adults.Selective Mutism:
A childhood anxiety condition in which a child consistently does not speak in specific social settings (such as school) despite speaking comfortably in other environments.
Impact on Functioning
Avoidance Behaviors:
Avoiding feared situations can provide short-term relief but often reinforces anxiety and restricts daily activities.Ongoing Impairment:
Symptoms are typically persistent — often lasting six months or longer — and may interfere with work, school, relationships, and participation in meaningful activities.Physical Effects:
Anxiety disorders commonly involve physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, and sleep difficulties.
Treatment and Support
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Effective approaches often include:
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications when appropriate
Lifestyle strategies including stress management, sleep routines, physical activity, and social support
Early recognition and gradual exposure to feared situations, with guidance, can help reduce avoidance and improve confidence over time.
Learn more online at The Mayo Clinic.
Eating disorders can involve a person’s concerns about their body shape or weight, however other factors are also involved.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts or emotions. They can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning.
Eating disorders can occur across all ages, genders, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and body sizes. A person may appear physically healthy while experiencing significant medical and psychological complications. Individuals with eating disorders may be underweight, at an average weight, or overweight.
• Anorexia Nervosa:
Individuals with anorexia nervosa significantly restrict food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body size or shape. Even when underweight, they may view themselves as overweight. Some individuals also experience episodes of binge eating or purging behaviors.• Binge-Eating Disorder:
This condition involves recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge-eating episodes are not regularly followed by compensatory behaviors. People with binge-eating disorder may be of any body size, though weight gain is common.• Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors intended to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise. Individuals may appear to be at an average weight or higher weight.• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID):
People with ARFID limit the amount or variety of foods they eat, not due to body image concerns, but because of sensory sensitivities, lack of interest in eating, or fear of negative consequences such as choking or vomiting. This restriction can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weight changes, and social difficulties around eating.Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of eating disorders are complex and not fully understood. Current research suggests they develop from an interaction of multiple influences, including:
Genetic and biological vulnerability
Psychological factors such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, or difficulty managing emotions
Social and cultural pressures related to body image and dieting
Environmental experiences, including stress or trauma
Recognizing early warning signs and seeking professional support is important. Eating disorders are treatable, and early intervention improves recovery outcomes.
To learn more about eating disorders, visit The National Institute of Mental Health.
Understanding how receiving psychological help can be perceived as a sign of personal weakness.
The belief that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness is a persistent form of stigma. In reality, mental health challenges are common, affecting people across all ages, cultures, and life circumstances. Reaching out for support reflects proactive self-care and a commitment to overall wellbeing.
Seeking psychological help requires insight, honesty, and courage. Recognizing that something is not working, talking about difficult experiences, and engaging in treatment are active steps toward healing. Rather than weakness, these actions demonstrate resilience, responsibility, and self-awareness.
Reframing help-seeking as a normal and healthy response to distress can reduce stigma and encourage earlier support. Accessing care can improve coping skills, strengthen relationships, and support long-term personal growth and recovery.
To learn more about overcoming the stigma of mental health, visit The Mayo Clinic online.
The connection between mental health disorders and physical health disorders.
Mental and physical health are closely interconnected. When mental and physical conditions occur together — often called co-occurring or comorbid conditions — they can intensify symptoms, reduce quality of life, and slow recovery. Chronic physical illness can increase the risk of mental health challenges, while mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety can make it harder to manage physical health effectively. Because of this interaction, coordinated and multidisciplinary care is especially important.
Key Aspects of Co-Occurring Conditions
Bidirectional Impact:
Physical illnesses can create stress, uncertainty, and lifestyle changes that contribute to depression or anxiety. At the same time, mental health conditions can worsen physical symptoms by increasing pain sensitivity, disrupting sleep, affecting appetite, and influencing health behaviors.Treatment Challenges:
Mental health symptoms — such as low motivation, fatigue, concentration difficulties, or hopelessness — may make it harder to follow treatment plans, attend appointments, take medications consistently, or engage in self-care.Common Patterns:
Depression frequently co-occurs with chronic pain, fatigue, and long-term medical conditions. Many individuals recovering from serious medical events also experience emotional distress that can affect rehabilitation and recovery.Integrated Care:
Care is most effective when mental and physical health are addressed together. Collaborative approaches may include primary care providers, mental health professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and social supports working as a team.Recognizing the mind–body connection supports earlier identification of concerns, reduces stigma, and encourages more comprehensive care that promotes overall wellbeing.
Learn more about the interconnection of mental health and physical health disorders from this study by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Information can be found online about the connection between mental health disorders and substance use disorders can be found online at The Cleveland Clinic.
Gaining a better understanding and readily knowing who to contact in order to seek treatment or care if you are experiencing a mental health challenge.
Seeking help looks different for everyone. Some people already have an established relationship with a therapist or treatment program, while others may rely on recommendations from friends, family, or community resources. If you are unsure where to start, there are several practical pathways to accessing care.
Seeking help does not require certainty about what is wrong. Reaching out for information, screening, or a first conversation is often the most important step toward support, recovery, and improved wellbeing.
Steps for Seeking Care
Immediate Crisis Support:
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (U.S.). You can also contact Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care center.Primary Care Provider (PCP):
A primary care clinician can provide an initial screening, rule out medical causes, and offer referrals to mental health specialists.Finding a Therapist or Psychiatrist:
Professional directories from organizations such as the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)can help you locate providers and treatment programs.Community and Online Resources:
Local affiliates of (MHA) Mental Health America, community health centers, and nonprofit organizations often provide low-cost services, support groups, and educational resources.Insurance Navigation:
Contact your insurance provider for a list of covered mental health professionals and information about referral requirements, copays, and telehealth options.
When to Seek Help
Consider professional support when emotional or behavioral changes persist and begin to interfere with daily life. Examples include:
Ongoing changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships
Persistent anxiety, low mood, or loss of interest
Increased substance use
Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or unable to cope
A common guideline is to seek evaluation if symptoms last two weeks or longer, worsen, or cause significant distress — though help can be beneficial at any stage.
Non-Emergency Support Options
The NAMI HelpLine offers information, referrals, and support (phone and email). 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Gaining a better understanding and readily knowing how to help someone close to me if they were experiencing a mental health challenge.
Starting a conversation about mental health with someone you care about is a meaningful act of compassion — much like asking about a physical injury. It is normal to feel uncertain or intimidated, but approaching the conversation with empathy, curiosity, and openness can make a powerful difference. You do not need the perfect words; showing that you care is what matters most.
Talking about mental health does not require expertise — it requires compassion, patience, and willingness to listen. Supportive conversations can be a first step toward help, hope, and recovery.
How to Prepare
Choose the Right Time and Place:
Look for a private, calm setting where you can talk without interruptions. Avoid starting the conversation when either of you is rushed, highly stressed, or in the middle of a crisis.Be Direct and Kind:
Speaking openly helps reduce stigma. Gentle honesty — rather than avoiding the topic — signals safety and care.Use “I” Statements:
Share what you have noticed without blame. For example:“I’ve noticed you seem more withdrawn lately, and I wanted to check in.”
“I miss spending time with you — how have you been?”
During the Conversation
Listen Without Judgment:
Give them space to talk at their own pace. Focus on understanding rather than solving. Reflecting back what you hear (“That sounds really exhausting”) can help them feel heard.Express Care Clearly:
Simple statements such as “I care about you,” “You’re not alone,” or “I’m here to listen” can be reassuring.\Avoid Common Pitfalls:
Try not to minimize feelings, compare experiences, or rush to offer solutions. Phrases like “just stay positive” or “others have it worse” can unintentionally shut down conversation.
Offering Ongoing Support
Encourage Professional Help:
Gently suggest talking with a therapist, counselor, or primary care provider. Offering practical help — such as finding providers, helping make a call, or going to an appointment — can lower barriers.Respect Readiness and Boundaries:
If they are not ready to talk, avoid pressure. Let them know you are available whenever they feel comfortable.Stay Connected:
Continue checking in with brief messages, invitations, or shared activities. Consistent presence can reduce isolation even when someone declines.
If There Is Immediate Risk
If you believe your loved one may be in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, it is important to seek help right away rather than keeping it secret. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, call emergency services, or go to the nearest emergency department. You can all 988 on your own to seek guidance, or you can call with the person you are concerned about.
To explore additional information on this important topic, go online to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The impact that receiving psychological help can have on how people believe others will perceive them.
A common concern is that others will think less of someone who has received psychological help. While stigma has historically shaped attitudes about mental health treatment, public perspectives are steadily evolving. Increasingly, seeking therapy is recognized as a responsible and proactive step toward improving wellbeing — not a sign of weakness.
Stigma and Fear of Judgment
Some individuals still worry about being judged, labeled, or perceived as inadequate if they seek therapy. These fears may be stronger in environments that highly value toughness, independence, or emotional restraint. Concern about reputation, career impact, or social standing can discourage people from accessing needed care.
Shifting Social Attitudes
Research suggests that people often overestimate how negatively others view therapy. In reality, many individuals see counseling as a healthy way to manage stress, build coping skills, and strengthen relationships. Public conversations, advocacy efforts, and mental health education have helped normalize help-seeking across many communities.
The Reality of Treatment
Leading professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, emphasize that seeking psychological support is a normal part of healthcare. Therapy is designed to provide evidence-based tools that foster insight, resilience, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Why Reducing Stigma Matters
When stigma prevents people from seeking care, symptoms may worsen and recovery may be delayed. Improving mental health literacy helps challenge misconceptions and reframes help-seeking as a sign of self-awareness, responsibility, and strength.
Choosing to access support is not an admission of failure — it is an investment in health, functioning, and overall quality of life.
More insight can be found online from The American Psychological Association.
Knowing when you, or a person who is struggling, should call 988.
Life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Support is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where trained counselors provide free, confidential help 24 hours a day by call or text.
You can contact 988 if you or someone else is experiencing:
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Intense emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
A mental health crisis or feeling unable to cope
Concerns related to alcohol or drug use
A need to talk with someone during a difficult moment — even if you are unsure whether it is a “crisis”
You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out. Early support can help reduce distress, clarify next steps, and connect you with local resources.
If you are supporting someone else, calling 988 can help you get guidance on what to say, how to keep them safe, and what services are available.
Help is available anytime. Reaching out is a step toward safety, connection, and support — and you are never alone.
Learn more about 988 online at 988Lifeline, or Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
There are no age restrictions regarding who can call 988 if they are experiencing a mental health crisis or have suicidal thoughts.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people of all ages — including children, teens, and young adults.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people ages 10 to 24, highlighting how important early support can be. Many youth worry that their struggles will be dismissed or minimized because of their age, but their experiences are real and deserving of attention and care.
Trained counselors at 988 are there to listen without judgment. Youth can reach out if they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, unsafe, or simply need someone to talk to. Support is confidential, compassionate, and focused on helping young people feel understood and connected to resources.
No problem is too small to share. Help is available, and reaching out is a strong and important step toward feeling better.
Find out more about the 988 focus on youth mental health online at 988Lifeline.
A good relationship with a trusted adult is important to a child’s mental health.
Having at least one trusted adult can serve as a powerful protective factor for children and adolescents. Research shows that positive, consistent relationships with caring adults are associated with lower rates of anxiety, depression, and stress. Trusted adults — including parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, and relatives — provide emotional, practical, and developmental support that strengthens resilience, self-confidence, and healthy behavior.
Key Benefits for Child Mental Health
Building Resilience:
A supportive adult provides a secure base that helps children regulate emotions, cope with challenges, and recover from adversity.
Reducing Risk:
Consistent supportive relationships are linked to lower risk for anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties.Supporting Positive Behavior:
Trusted adults can buffer the effects of trauma, bullying, or peer conflict by offering guidance, advocacy, and stability.Promoting Social and Emotional Growth:
When children feel heard, valued, and safe, they are more likely to develop self-esteem, communication skills, and healthy relationships.
Characteristics of a Trusted Adult
Trusted adults are defined less by their title and more by their behavior. They typically:
Listen without judgment and take concerns seriously
Show reliability and follow through on support
Model healthy coping, communication, and emotional expression
Encourage independence while remaining available for guidance
Create a safe space where mistakes and feelings can be discussed openly
Long-Term Impact
Supportive adult relationships in childhood are associated with stronger mental health, improved academic and social outcomes, and a greater sense of identity and belonging in adulthood. These connections can be especially important for youth facing adversity or marginalization, where a consistent, caring presence may serve as a critical protective factor.
Strengthening youth mental health literacy includes helping young people identify who their trusted adults are and knowing how to reach out when support is needed.
More information on this topic and be found online at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Sleep, a balanced diet, and physical activity are good supportive factors for everyone’s mental health.
Supporting mental health is strongly influenced by everyday habits — particularly sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. These interconnected lifestyle factors help regulate mood, reduce stress, support brain function, and strengthen overall resilience. While they are not substitutes for professional treatment when needed, they play an important role in both prevention and recovery.
Key Pillars of Mental Health Support
Restorative Sleep:
Consistent, quality sleep helps regulate emotions, improve concentration, and lower stress reactivity. Irregular or insufficient sleep is associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression, and irritability.Balanced Nutrition:
Regular meals that include a variety of nutrients — such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats — support energy levels, brain function, and emotional stability. Skipping meals or relying heavily on highly processed foods can contribute to fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty focusing.Physical Activity:
Movement supports mental wellbeing by releasing endorphins, improving sleep, reducing inflammation, and enhancing self-confidence. Physical activity does not need to be intense; walking, stretching, sports, or recreational activities can all be beneficial.
Benefits of a Combined Approach
When these habits are practiced together, they reinforce one another:
Stress Regulation: Consistent sleep, nutrition, and movement help stabilize the body’s stress response.
Mood Support: Physical activity and steady nutrition contribute to more stable mood and reduced depressive symptoms.
Cognitive Performance: Adequate rest and nutrients support memory, attention, and decision-making.
Resilience: Healthy routines create a foundation that helps individuals cope more effectively with life’s challenges.
Lifestyle habits function as both preventive strategies and complementary supports alongside treatments such as therapy and medication. Small, gradual changes — rather than perfection — can meaningfully improve mental wellbeing over time.
Learn more about how to support mental wellness for yourself or a loved one online at National Institute of Health / MedlinePlus.
Understanding the stigma associated with receiving psychological care, and how we bring an end to it.
Stigma surrounding psychological help remains a significant — and often invisible — barrier to care, preventing an estimated 30% to 50% of individuals from seeking the support they need. Rooted in fears of being labeled “weak,” “unstable,” or “crazy,” stigma can delay treatment and contribute to worsening symptoms, lower self-esteem, and increased social isolation.
Key dimensions of mental health stigma include:
• Public stigma: Widespread societal stereotypes that portray mental health challenges as personal failures, laziness, or dangerousness.
• Self-stigma: The internalization of these negative beliefs, leading individuals to feel ashamed, undeserving of help, or reluctant to acknowledge their struggles.
• Cultural and community stigma: In some cultural, religious, or close-knit communities, therapy may be viewed as a sign of weakness or as a departure from family values, encouraging silence, stoicism, or reliance solely on informal support.
• Institutional stigma: Structural barriers and discrimination within systems such as workplaces, schools, or healthcare that create fears about confidentiality, job security, or being treated differently.Reducing stigma requires normalizing conversations about mental health, expanding public education, and reinforcing the message that seeking help reflects self-awareness and courage. When mental health care is viewed as a routine part of overall well-being, individuals are more likely to access support earlier — leading to better outcomes and stronger communities.
To learn more about the stigma and efforts to overcome the stigma around mental health visit the online site for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).