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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.1,2

1. Mental Health. CDC. 9/13/22.
2. What Is Mental Health? MentalHealth.gov. 2/28/22.

Why It's Important

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.3

3. Mental Health. CDC. 12/1/23.

How It's Tracked

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

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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