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Mental Health Resources

This guide has key information, tools, and resources about and for mental health.

What's the difference between mental health and mental health disorders?

Sometimes the answer is clear, but often the distinction isn't so obvious.

Does being afraid of giving a speech in public mean you have a mental health disorder or is it just a run-of-the-mill case of nerves? When does shyness become a case of social phobia? This guide will help your understanding of how mental health conditions are identified.


What is Mental Health?

Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings and behave. Sometimes people experience a significant disturbance in this mental functioning. A mental disorder may be present when patterns or changes in thinking, feeling or behaving cause distress or disrupt a person's ability to function. A mental health disorder may affect how well you:

  • Maintain personal or family relationships
  • Function in social settings
  • Perform at work or school
  • Learn at a level expected for your age and intelligence
  • Participate in other important activities

Cultural norms and social expectations also play a role in defining mental health disorders. There is no standard measure across cultures to determine whether a behavior is normal or when it becomes disruptive. What might be normal in one society may be a cause for concern in another.

Read more at Mayo Clinic.


Further Reading

BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Mental Health Statistics and General Information

Understanding and responding to the range of experiences held by those with diverse values, beliefs, and sexual orientations.

Mental Health Basics

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Learn more about mental health problems and potential contributing factors.

10 Mental Wellness Tips to Improve Mental Health

This list of tips can be highly beneficial in improving mental health wellness.