Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well being. Good mental health contributes to the ability to lead a healthy, balanced, and productive life. Emotional problems can impair a person's thinking, feelings, and behavior and, over time, can become increasingly serious and disabling. Too often mental and emotional health problems go untreated. People experiencing poor mental health may not recognize the extent of their problem or fear being stigmatized. Additionally, they may be unable to access services.
Poor mental health is a community-wide issue that cannot be addressed by public health agencies alone. Strategies to address this issue can be implemented in schools, workplaces, and community settings. Through the evaluation of existing programs and the identification of populations with increased need, different sectors can gain a better understanding of what is and is not working and develop policies to drive change.