# What is mental health?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-is-mental-health
For: Patients | Mental health care | Last reviewed 23 July 2026

**Answer:** Mental health is your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It shapes how you think, feel, cope with stress, relate to others, make decisions and take part in daily life. Everyone has mental health, and it is not defined only by whether someone has a diagnosis. Good mental health does not mean never feeling sad or worried. It can change over time and can improve with support, relationships and care.

### Mental health and well-being

Well-being includes managing emotions, coping with ordinary pressures, maintaining relationships, using your strengths and finding purpose. A person can feel distressed in one area of life while remaining strong and supported in another.

### Mental health changes over time

- It can shift with life events such as bereavement, childbirth, illness, money worries or changes at work or school.
- Sleep, physical health, relationships, safety, housing and access to care all play a part.
- Supportive relationships, rest, physical activity where possible and manageable routines can help.
- Speak to a qualified professional when distress persists, worsens or affects daily life.

> **Important:** Immediate danger, suicidal intent, severe confusion, inability to stay safe or risk of harm to others needs urgent emergency or crisis support.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

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**About Tymira Health:** Tymira Health is a healthcare technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya. It builds Tymira360, a practice management and EHR platform for mental health, physiotherapy and dental providers, clinics, hospitals, NGOs and insurers across Africa.

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