What is it?
- Understand your mental and emotional health.
- Recognise signs and find support.
Here's more detail
Description
Mental and emotional health are essential parts of overall wellbeing, influencing how you think, feel, and connect with others.
Taking care of your mental health can help you navigate and cope with life’s ups and downs.
Whether you’re a young person under stress, a parent or carer supporting someone, or a professional looking for advice, this page offers practical information to help you recognise when something’s wrong, find the right support, and make positive changes.
Frequently asked questions
- What are mental and emotional health conditions?
There are many different mental and emotional health conditions.
Click the links to find out more information about the following conditions:
- Addiction
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anger issues
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Learning difficulties
- Learning disabilities
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Postnatal depression
- Psychosis
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Self-harm
- What are the most common mental and emotional disorders?
Mental and emotional disorders are common across all age groups, affecting millions worldwide. The most common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety. These disorders often lead to excessive worry, fear and avoidance of certain situations. Depression is also highly prevalent and can cause persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is common, especially among children and young people, affecting concentration, impulse control and organisation. Bipolar disorder is another widely recognised condition, leading to extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive, persistent thoughts and repetitive behaviours, while Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, causing flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, also affect many people, impacting both mental and physical health. Each of these conditions can significantly affect daily life, but with proper treatment and support, individuals can manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Recognising and understanding these common mental health disorders is the first step towards getting the right support and resources.
- How can I improve my mental and emotional health?
Improving your mental and emotional health involves building habits that support a positive mindset, reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing. Start by prioritising self-care—getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals and engaging in regular physical activity. These basics provide the energy and stability needed to manage stress, process emotions and maintain a clear mind.
Talking about your feelings can make a big difference. Reach out to friends, family or a therapist to share your thoughts and feelings; expressing emotions helps you process them, reduces feelings of isolation and can offer new perspectives on challenges. Similarly, practising mindfulness—taking time to focus on the present moment—can help reduce anxiety and increase emotional resilience.
Setting realistic goals and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps is another way to support mental health. This approach prevents feeling overwhelmed and builds confidence as you achieve each goal. Finally, consider setting aside time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy; spending time on things you enjoy can improve mood and provide a sense of fulfilment. Small, consistent steps can make a significant impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing over time.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to know that support is available. In a crisis, you may feel overwhelmed, unable to cope, or have thoughts of harming yourself or others. During these times, reaching out for help can make a huge difference. Visit our North Central London Crisis Support page for immediate resources, including helplines, crisis centres and urgent care options available in your area.
Taking steps to seek support can feel difficult, but connecting with crisis services can provide immediate assistance, safety and guidance through challenging moments. Remember, you’re not alone—professionals are there to help you manage and find stability in times of crisis.
- Can you recover from mental health problems?
Yes, recovery from mental health problems is possible with the right support, treatment and self-care. Many people with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, experience significant improvement through therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Recovery doesn’t always mean eliminating all symptoms; instead, it often focuses on managing symptoms effectively and achieving a fulfilling life. Building a strong support network, developing coping skills and creating healthy routines can play a vital role in long-term mental wellness. Seeking professional help can be key step, as mental health specialists can provide personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- What does it mean to be emotionally healthy?
Being emotionally healthy means having the ability to understand, manage and express your emotions in a positive way. Emotionally healthy individuals can handle stress, build strong relationships and recover from setbacks with resilience. Emotional health involves self-awareness, empathy and effective coping skills, which help in managing life’s challenges and maintaining mental wellbeing.
Developing good emotional health includes practicing self-care, building supportive relationships and seeking help when needed. Emotionally healthy people are better equipped to make decisions that align with their values, foster personal growth and maintain a balanced outlook on life.
Mental and emotional health information pages:
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