May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Today's "You Matter" reminders are courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Health.

We all have mental health.

Mental health is our ability to engage with our emotions, thoughts, interactions with others, and the world around us. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day. Just like with our physical health, we can do things that make us mentally healthier. When you feel mentally well, you’re more able to manage the stress and challenges you face in life, feel better about yourself, and engage in fulfilling activities and relationships.

Exploring your mental health will help you better understand what you need to support your mental wellbeing.

Mental health plays a big role in overall wellbeing. We all have tough days and weeks, and everyone manages their mental health every day. The best way to protect mental health is to pay attention to it even when you’re feeling ok or even good. Becoming more aware of what disrupts your mental health, will help you learn what actions, tools and resources may be useful to help you when you need it. There are many ways to take action – big and small – to improve mental health for yourself and for those around you. Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your mental well-being isn’t just self-care—it’s an investment in your future.

Experiencing poor mental health is not the same as having a mental health condition. A mental health condition, or mental illness, refers to a set of symptoms that have been identified by a health provider. People with mental health conditions experience change in emotions, thinking, and/or behavior. For some, this means extreme and unexpected changes in mood, like feeling more sad or worried than usual. For others, it means not thinking clearly, pulling away from friends and activities you used to enjoy, or hearing voices that others do not. Mental illness is treatable; it is not always a permanent state of being.

The opportunities and resources we have available in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities can help support our mental health and wellbeing.

Mental health is about what we do as individuals, and how we are supported in our communities. For example, neighborhoods and organizations can provide resources that support your sense of belonging, connectedness, and mental wellbeing.