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Mental Health

person curled up with head down
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.1

1. What Is Mental Health? Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 4/24/23.

Why It's Important

Mental health is a key component to overall health and is closely linked to physical health. For example, depression increases the risk for many chronic physical health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition.2

2. About Mental Health. CDC. 8/8/23.

What's Known

Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person's thinking, mood, or behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:3
  • Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems.
3. What is Mental Health?. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 4/24/23.

Who's at Risk

Mental health is influenced by many factors at multiple levels -- individual, family, community, and society. Examples of risk factors include:4
  • Adverse childhood experiences and other types of interpersonal violence
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Lack of access to housing, healthcare, education, employment, and economic opportunities
  • Poor emotional well-being or coping skills
  • Social drivers such as experiencing interpersonal and institutional discrimination
  • Social isolation
  • Use of alcohol or drugs
Racial and ethnic minority groups have experienced disparities in mental health and substance misuse related to access to care, psychosocial stress, and social determinants of health.5

Groups at increased risk for suicide include:6
  • Adults aged 35-64 years
  • Older adults (aged 75+ years)
  • Youth and young adults (aged 10-24 years)
  • People who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual
  • Veterans
  • American Indian/Alaska Native and White persons
  • People with disabilities
  • People in certain industries and occupations
  • Residents of less densely populated areas.
4. About Mental Health. CDC. 8/8/24.
5. McKnight-Eily LR, Okoro CA, Strine TW, et al. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Stress and Worry, Mental Health Conditions, and Increased Substance Use Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, April and May 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:162-166.
6. Health Disparities in Suicide. CDC. 5/16/24.

How to Reduce Risk

Individuals can protect their mental health and manage stress by:
  • Taking breaks from news and social media
  • Making time to relax and unwind
  • Practicing daily gratitude
  • Connecting with others
Improving mental health also involves self-care, such as:
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Staying physically active
  • Eating healthy foods
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Avoiding illegal drugs and tobacco products
  • Attending regular health check-ups.7
7. Managing Stress. CDC. 8/16/24.

How It's Tracked

New Jersey's Division of Mental Health Services is housed in the Department of Human Services.

New Jersey Department of Health data systems that contain mental health components include: Nationally, mental health is tracked by:

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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