Definition
Problems with the way people think, feel and react, which can affect their ability to cope with life, make choices and relate to other people. There are many different types of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. These may be treated in a variety of different ways, and may last a long or short time.
The bigger picture
We prefer to use the term ‘mental health challenges’, as we feel it focuses less on something being ‘wrong’ with a person, and more on the difficulties people face with their mental health due to things that have happened to them or are happening around them, and also difficulties with getting support that works for them.
Saying it differently
Mental health challenges
What people say
“We often talk about problems. So we might say things like ‘mental health problems’ rather than challenges, and then that really emphasises that that individual can be problematic, rather than that person is experiencing mental health challenges, which we all can face.” – Isaac Samuels