What is Mental Health?
- yboukarim9
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
By: Yasmin Bou Karim, Founder of Bossa Health
On 10 October, we celebrate World Mental Health Day, but how often do we pause to ask what mental health actually means?
Mental health is not simply about difficulties or the absence of illness. It is something we all have, just as we all have physical health.
It reflects how we think, feel and behave, how we manage our emotions and how we cope with life’s challenges. Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, forming the foundation for how we make decisions, build relationships and engage with the world around us.
It exists on a broad and complex continuum that differs from person to person. Each of us experiences mental health in unique ways, with varying levels of ease or difficulty, and these experiences can lead to very different personal and clinical outcomes.
Good mental health enables us to realise our potential, feel safe and secure, and lead fulfilling lives. It helps us manage stress, work productively and enjoy meaningful relationships. In contrast, mental illness refers to a health condition that significantly affects thoughts, emotions or behaviour, often disrupting daily life, relationships and the ability to work or care for others.
Cultural and social contexts also shape how mental health is understood. There is no universal measure that defines when a behaviour becomes a problem. What may be acceptable in one culture might raise concern in another.
What shapes our mental health?
Our mental health is influenced by a wide range of interacting factors that can either support or challenge our well-being. These influences can be personal, social or structural, and they often overlap in complex ways. Humans experience and respond to the world differently, and there is no single “right way” to react to life’s circumstances.
Our state of mind can change depending on both internal and external conditions, from physical health, finances and relationships to major life events and broader forces such as global crises, economic shifts or environmental changes. Research also suggests that certain mental health problems may run in families. For instance, having a parent with schizophrenia increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Poverty, discrimination, violence and adverse childhood experiences such as harsh discipline or bullying can also contribute to cycles of disadvantage and poor health, heightening stress and risk over time.
At the same time, there are many protective factors that can strengthen mental health. Supportive relationships, strong emotional and social skills, a sense of belonging, quality education, fair employment and safe, connected communities all promote psychological stability. Protective factors exist at multiple levels, biological, psychological, family and community, and they help reduce the impact of risks or lower the likelihood of negative outcomes.
No single factor determines whether someone will experience a mental health condition. Many people exposed to risks do not go on to develop one, while others may face challenges without any identifiable cause. What matters most is how these influences interact over time, shaping the balance between stress and support in each person’s life.
When to seek support
Each mental health condition has its own set of symptoms, but professional help may be needed if you notice:
Major changes in personality, eating or sleeping patterns
Difficulty coping with daily responsibilities
Withdrawal from usual activities or relationships
Detachment to reality
Persistent fear, anxiety or nervousness
Ongoing sadness or feelings of helplessness
Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
Substance misuse, including alcohol or drugs
Intense mood swings or anger
Aggressive or violent behaviour
Many people delay seeking help, believing their symptoms are simply part of life or feeling ashamed to reach out. Yet mental health is a core part of overall health, and support is available.
If you are concerned about your mental well-being, confide in someone you trust, speak to your GP, self-refer to Talking Therapies (where available), or seek help from a psychiatrist, psychologist or other qualified mental health professional privately, such Bossa Health.
With the right support, mental health conditions can often be identified and treated in a timely and effective manner. Mental health is a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves the opportunity to nurture it.
Learn more about mental health
