Mental Health

The concepts of mental health, mental disorders and mental illness can be viewed as a continuum of health conditions. Mental health is a broad term used to characterize an adult's ability to function within the myriad of life expectations and is a state of effective cognitive functioning, satisfying interpersonal relationships, productive activities, and resiliency when faced with change and adversity. The presence of these attributes equates with health, success and emotional strength. The absence of sound or positive mental health contributes to damaged self-esteem, disturbed thinking, impaired learning, ineffective communication, and diminished emotional growth. It is important for the health of the individuals living in Travis County, and the entire community, to understand how good mental health with strong resilience to handle inevitable life stress can be promoted.

The term "mental health problems" generally refers to symptoms of lesser intensity or duration than mental disorders or a mental illness. Mental health problems warrant active efforts in health promotion, prevention, and treatment while mental disorders are of longer duration and evidence more debilitating symptoms.