Your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical health — especially as mental health problems are becoming increasingly common. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) estimates that more than 1 in 5 US adults is living with a mental illness. Being aware of what to look out for, and knowing what actions to take if you feel your mental health is suffering, are important for preventing issues from escalating. That’s why we’ve listed out some common mental health questions that shouldn’t be new to workplace leaders, especially, along with some tips and advice on how we can lead healthier and happier lives.1. What is mental health?Mental health is quite similar to physical health and they are closely related. The state of our mental health is a vital facet of our wellbeing that affects our ability to cope with emotional and mental stressors within everyday life, how we relate to others and how we make healthy choices. It affects how we think, feel and act. 2. What are the causes of poor mental health?Stressful events can have an impact on your mental health, such as losing a job, relationship issues, the death of a loved one or money problems. You might also be more susceptible to suffering from a mental illness if there is a family history of it. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health illnesses. Other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or personality disorders affect fewer people. 3. What are the signs of poor mental health?Knowing what to look out for and when to seek help can prevent mental health problems from escalating. Signs and symptoms to be aware of include:Lacking energy or feeling tired all the timeFinding it hard to think clearly or to concentrateFeeling restless and agitatedFeeling tearful and wanting to cry all the timeNot wanting to talk to or be with people, or do things you usually enjoyUsing alcohol or drugs to cope with feelingsFinding it hard to deal with everyday tasksExperiencing one of the five stages of burnout 4. What are the symptoms of anxiety?Anxiety is a natural response when we feel threatened, and everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives in some way. It's particularly common to experience some anxiety while coping with any kind of stressful event. However, anxiety can become a problem if it impacts your ability to live your daily life to the fullest — for example, if small triggers start to become all-consuming and you find it difficult to complete daily tasks, or you avoid situations that might cause you to feel anxious. Some common symptoms are heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, loss of appetite, sweating and headaches.Sudden bouts of intense anxiety and fear might be classified as panic attacks. A panic attack usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes and can be very frightening but is a common symptom of a larger anxiety disorder. 5. What are the symptoms of depression?Depression is a feeling of low mood that lasts for a long time and affects your everyday life. It can make you feel hopeless, despairing, guilty, worthless, unmotivated and exhausted. It can affect your self-esteem, sleep, appetite, sex drive and your physical health.In its mildest form, depression doesn't stop you from leading a normal life, but it makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can make you feel suicidal, and be life-threatening. If you’re feeling this way, speak to a trusted friend, family member, or coworker or reach out to your local helpline. You’re never alone. 6. What mental health treatments are available?Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes such as reducing your alcohol intake, eating well and making sure you get enough sleep can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems. Your doctor may also recommend guided self-help, which usually involves 6-8 sessions with a workbook or online course with support from a therapist. Talking therapies for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling, both of which give you the opportunity to explore difficult feelings with a trained professional.Psychiatric medication won't cure your mental health problems, but there are drugs that can ease many symptoms, the type you are offered will depend on your diagnosis.7. What is CBT?CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy and aims to identify connections between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It helps you develop practical skills to manage any negative patterns that may be causing you difficulties.CBT, unlike some other talking therapies, aims to deal with the problems you are currently facing, versus delving into issues from your past. 8. Can regular exercise help to improve mental health?Being active is not only great for your physical health, it can also help to enhance your mental wellbeing. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve sleep and concentration and raise your self-esteem. And we’re not talking about having to run marathons or spend hours in the gym every day — to start, you could try something gentle like going for a short walk, yoga or swimming. The important thing is to pick something you enjoy doing, so you're more likely to stick with it.9. What else can I do to improve my mental health?Good relationships can help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth. Catch-ups with friends or loved ones can also give you emotional support and be an opportunity to focus on the positive and get away from your anxious or depressing thoughts. It’s tempting in this age of social media to truly connect with people online, making face-to-face meet-ups even more important to prioritize in your day-to-day life. They are far more effective for building closer and stronger relationships. Research also shows that you can give yourself a confidence boost and raise your self-esteem by learning a new skill. You could try tackling a DIY project or have a go at learning a new language.10. What should I do if I am worried about my mental health?Talk to someone that you trust, such as a friend or colleague, and tell them how you are feeling. You should also make an appointment to see your doctor or a mental health professional who will be able to recommend the most suitable support. You can find information and support on the NIH website, and there are also organizations that can offer help and guidance, including Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.If you have cover, it’s worth checking whether your health insurance policy includes mental health. YuLife’s groundbreaking Insurance brings together protection, rewards and benefits, all in one award-winning app, and gives employees immediate access to wellbeing services.About YuLife.YuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioral science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.