Your mental health influences how you think , feel , and behave in daily life . It also affects your ability to cope with stress , overcome challenges , build relationships , and recover from life ’ s setbacks and hardships .
Strong mental health isn ’ t just the absence of mental health problems . Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression , anxiety , or other psychological issues . Rather than the absence of mental illness , mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics .
People who are mentally healthy have :
� A sense of contentment .
� A zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun .
� The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity .
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A sense of meaning and purpose , in both their activities and their relationships .
� The flexibility to learn new skills and adapt to change .
� A balance between work and play , rest and activity , etc .
� The ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships .
� Self-confidence and high self-esteem .