Mental health conditions—also called mental illnesses—are medical conditions, just like asthma or diabetes. They affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts, and they can make it hard to handle everyday activities. Unlike other health conditions, there’s no simple test to diagnose mental illness, but getting a diagnosis from a mental health professional is an important first step in finding the right treatment and feeling better.
Just like we practice physical strength through exercise, we can also build mental strength. It may take time and practice, but it’s possible to improve how we manage tough emotions and stressful situations.

