Why is mental health important? Understanding the impact
Researched and Written By Headspace Editorial Team
Oct 22, 2025
In this article
- What is mental health?
- Why mental health is just as important as physical health
- The impact of untreated mental health issues
- How good mental health supports overall well-being
- Barriers that prevent people from prioritizing mental health
- Ways to take care of your mental health
- Why investing in mental health is an act of self-respect
Mental health was once viewed as second to physical health, but today, we know it's just as-if not more-essential. Your mental well-being affects every part of your life, from the relationships you have to your physical health to how you perform at work to your sense of self-worth.
Learn why mental health is important and how you can take proactive steps to prioritize your own emotional well-being through targeted treatment. We're sharing the science behind it and what happens if you don't take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. The mind-body connection is real, and you'll see how Headspace supports total mental health treatment through therapy, coaching, and other tools, like meditation and sleep guides.

What is mental health?
Mental health is your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It shapes how you think, feel, behave, and handle stress. Your mental state even influences how you make decisions and the way you interact with others. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as the state of mental well-being that helps you cope with stress in your life, realize your potential, learn and work well, and contribute to your community. Mental health is closely linked to physical health, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why mental health is just as important as physical health
There's a clear connection between mental and physical health. Research shows that mental health conditions like depression or anxiety increase your risk for physical health issues like heart disease. According to one study, living with a mental health condition means you're twice as likely to have multiple physical health conditions, and chronic stress also weakens the immune system.
Oakley Ray, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University, notes that "there is no real division between mind and body because of networks of communication that exist between the brain and neurological, endocrine, and immune systems." In short, caring for your mind is just as crucial as taking care of your body.
The impact of untreated mental health issues
Ignoring your mental health can have a far-reaching affect on all areas of your life. Untreated mental health issues can even be life-threatening, according to some research. It can cause mental exhaustion, relationship difficulties, suicidal thoughts, financial hardship, and reduced performance at work or school. In some cases, it even increases the risk of premature death. One recent study found that untreated mental health costs society billions of dollars annually.
Ripple effects of ignoring mental health include:
- Increased risk of chronic illnesses
- Decreased life satisfaction
- Reduced productivity
- Strain on personal relationships
- Greater healthcare costs overall
How good mental health supports overall well-being
Prioritizing good mental health supports your overall well-being and can pay off in virtually every aspect of life. When you take care of your mind, you'll feel more able to handle both physical and mental challenges. You can maintain healthier relationships, do better at work or school, and build strong self-esteem.
Research indicates that early intervention is critical in preventing or delaying future mental health concerns. Some studies suggest that it can even help prevent academic failure in college students, and the benefits of early intervention can last a lifetime.
Nurturing your mental health leads to:
- Ability to cope with life's challenges
- Healthier relationships
- Improved work and academic performance
- Enhanced physical health outcomes
- Increased resilience
- Ability to adapt when necessary
- Greater self-awareness
- Improved emotional intelligence
- Lower risk of developing a substance use disorder
- Increased energy
Barriers that prevent people from prioritizing mental health
There's no denying that mental health is important. Yet, many people today still don't get the care they need. A significant barrier to prioritizing mental well-being is the stigma that still exists today, which can make some people feel too ashamed or afraid to ask for help.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that a lack of access to affordable, convenient care can affect people in rural areas from accessing support. Cultural misconceptions about emotional vulnerability also discourage some from seeking help.
Ways to take care of your mental health
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to support your mental health on your own every day, regardless of whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition. Even small actions, when done consistently, can make a meaningful difference in your life.
You can take care of your mental well-being in the following ways:
- Practice mindfulness and meditation
- Build supportive social connections
- Stay physically active
- Eat healthy
- Get enough sleep
- Set and enforce boundaries
- Strive for work-life balance
- Seek professional support
You can also check out Headspace's meditation and sleep resources, which are backed by science and proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost focus. You can even connect with a licensed Headspace therapist to get access to more personalized care.
Why investing in mental health is an act of self-respect
Prioritizing your mental health isn't selfish; it's foundational to living fully. The earlier you act, the better your outcome will be, and Headspace makes it easier than ever to get quality, affordable care. We offer a flexible, inclusive way to access mental healthcare wherever you are.
Headspace believes that mental health is important and that it's a powerful investment in your future well-being and happiness. Whether you're starting with a few minutes of meditation every day or looking for weekly individual therapy, caring for your mental health is an act of self-respect. Let us support you in your journey with end-to-end mental healthcare, no matter if you're looking for ways to cope with anxiety or looking to learn how to stop overthinking. Reach out today to learn more about Headspace's online therapy and our other mental health resources to support your complete mind-body health.
Sources:
1. World Health Organization: WHO. (2019, December 19). Mental health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1. Accessed June 28, 2025.
2. About mental health. (2025, June 9). Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html. Accessed June 28, 2025.
3. Barnett, K., Mercer, S. W., Norbury, M., Watt, G., Wyke, S., & Guthrie, B. (2012). Epidemiology of multimorbidity and implications for health care, research, and medical education: a cross-sectional study. The Lancet, 380(9836), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(12)60240-2. Accessed June 28, 2025.
4. Study shows link between mental and physical health. (2023, November 23). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231109121505.htm. Accessed June 28, 2025.
5. Alotiby, A. (2024). Immunology of Stress: A review article. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(21), 6394. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13216394. Accessed June 28, 2025.
6. Brower, V. (2006). Mind-body research moves towards the mainstream. EMBO Reports, 7(4), 358-361. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.embor.7400671. Accessed June 28, 2025.
7. Ibrahim, O. H. M., Ibrahim, R. M., Al-Tameemi, N. K., & Riley, K. (2020). Challenges associated with mental health management: Barriers and consequences. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 28(8), 971-976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2020.06.018. Accessed June 28, 2025.
8. Taylor, H. L., Menachemi, N., Gilbert, A., Chaudhary, J., & Blackburn, J. (2023). Economic burden associated with untreated mental illness in Indiana. JAMA Health Forum, 4(10), e233535. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3535. Accessed June 28, 2025.
9. McGorry, P. D., & Mei, C. (2018). Early intervention in youth mental health: progress and future directions. Evidence-Based Mental Health, 21(4), 182-184. https://doi.org/10.1136/ebmental-2018-300060. Accessed June 28, 2025.
10. Madrid‐Cagigal, A., Kealy, C., Potts, C., Mulvenna, M. D., Byrne, M., Barry, M. M., & Donohoe, G. (2025). Digital Mental Health Interventions for University Students With Mental Health Difficulties: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.70017. Accessed June 28, 2025.
11. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2025, March 27). Mental health by the numbers | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/. Accessed June 28, 2025.


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