Challenges to mental health

NAMI states that an estimated one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health problem each year.

Risks to mental health can include:

• Discrimination
• Exposure to trauma
• Family history of mental illness
• Low income
• Medical illness
• Poor access to health services
• Poor self-esteem
• Poor social skills
• Social inequalities
• Substance use

Some of the factors that can help offer protection against poor mental health including having supportive social relationships, strong coping skills, opportunities for engagement in the community, and physical and psychological security.