Mental and Emotional Well-being Mental and emotional well-being
is essential to overall health. Positive mental health allows
people to realize their full potential, cope with the stresses
of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to
their communities. Early childhood experiences have lasting,
measurable consequences later in life; therefore, fostering
emotional well-being from the earliest stages of life helps
build a foundation for overall health and well-being. Anxiety,
mood (e.g., depression) and impulse control disorders are
associated with a higher probability of risk behaviors (e.g.,
tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, risky sexual behavior),
intimate partner and family violence, many other chronic and
acute conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, HIV/STIs), and premature death. Download and print
these recommendations: Mental and Emotional Well-being (PDF –
230 KB) - Promote positive early childhood development,
including positive parenting and violence-free h