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Dealing with life's challenges

We all go through difficult times, and it can be a healthy reaction to feel negative emotions when facing challenges.

There's no single "right way" to react, and some of us are more deeply affected by events than others. Everyone is different.

Our genes, life experiences, upbringing and environment all affect our mental health and influence how we think and respond to situations. It can also depend on how well other parts of our life are going or how supported we feel.

Being aware of these factors may make it easier to understand when we, or someone we care about, are struggling.

Find out more about what can affect our mental health, as well as lots of things you can do and organisations that can help.

Loneliness

Loneliness is an issue that can affect us all, young or old, at any point in our lives.

Maintaining healthy relationships and mental wellbeing

These ideas will help you address challenges and ensure your relationships are healthy, positive and supportive.

Money worries and mental health

Worrying about money can affect our mental wellbeing and our ability to manage money can be affected by a mental health issue. The two are often linked.

Work-related stress

We can all face pressure at work, sometimes it can make us more productive. However, too much pressure can become stressful and affect our happiness and quality of life.

Bereavement and traumatic events

Experiencing traumatic events can also have long-lasting negative impacts on our mental health.

Mental health and physical illness

How we are physically affects how we feel mentally, whether it's short or long-term health issues, or serious illness.

Life changes

Life's always changing, but sometimes we face a big or sudden change that's harder to deal with, whether it's moving home, starting university, having a baby or starting to care for someone.

Smoking, drinking, drug use and gambling

Smoking, substance misuse and gambling can contribute to poor mental health. Equally, poor mental health can lead to these behaviours, which means we can find ourselves trapped in a vicious circle.