What is Mental Health?

Mental Health & Mental Illness Defined

Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. When someone experiences mental health issues, their thinking, mood, and behavior can be impacted. There are many factors that can contribute to mental health issues. Contributing factors include a family history of mental health conditions, as well as life experiences such as trauma or abuse. Mental health conditions are very common and affect everyone.

Mental Health Disorders

Contact

Family Education & Resource Center
7677 Oakport St. Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94621

Warm Line: (888) 896-3372
Office: (510) 746-1700

Know the Signs

Of Mental Illness

Sometimes mental illness is not always easy to recognize. For many, pain isn’t obvious. It can be difficult to know when a loved one is going through a tough time, or if it is something that may require more serious support like medication or therapy. Experiencing one or more of the following behaviors could be an early warning sign of a mental health condition.

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities
  • Having low or no energy
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters
  • Having unexplained aches and pains
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
  • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
  • Thinking of harming yourself or others
  • Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Contact Us

To Get the Support You Need

Being a caregiver is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Family Education & Resource center supports the families and caregivers of children, youth, adults, and seniors working through mental health challenges. Our dedicated team, extensive program offerings, peer support groups, and resource library are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to connect with an advocate.