Advancing Mental Health Awareness and Access
Mental health influences how individuals think, feel, cope with stress, and connect with others. The Mental Health Center provides education, screening tools, and community-based resources to support early recognition, prevention, and treatment.
Barriers to care—including stigma, cost, limited provider access, and cultural mistrust—continue to affect mental health outcomes in underserved communities. Expanding awareness and access strengthens individual and community well-being.
Mental health is a critical component of overall health.
THE PULSE ON Mental Health
Start Here: Check In on Your Mental Well-Being
You may benefit from screening or professional support if you experience:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Excessive worry or anxiety
Changes in sleep or appetite
Loss of interest in usual activities
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or mood changes
Thoughts of self-harm
Early recognition supports timely care and improved outcomes.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health includes how individuals think, feel, and behave, and how they manage life challenges and relationships. Mental health conditions occur when distress or symptoms interfere with daily functioning, work or school performance, relationships, or physical health. Many conditions are treatable with timely support, therapy, medication when needed, and community-based resources.
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Common Risk Factors
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Experiences of trauma or violence
- Discrimination and racism-related stress
- Social isolation or lack of support
- Financial insecurity or housing instability
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Chronic illness or pain
- Substance use
- Limited access to culturally responsive mental health care
Possible Signs and Symptoms
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
- Excessive worry, fear, or panic
- Sleep problems (too little or too much)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or community
- Increased substance use
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Protecting Mental Health
Staying connected to supportive relationships, managing stress, practicing healthy sleep routines, engaging in physical activity, limiting alcohol or drug use, and seeking early support from a trusted provider can reduce symptom severity and improve long-term wellbeing.
Mental health conditions can develop without being immediately recognized and may present differently across individuals. This self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on factors that may affect your mental health and determine whether additional screening or follow-up may be helpful. This tool is educational and not a medical diagnosis.