Mental health is a combination of our psychological, emotional, and social well-being, which affects how we think, feel, and act.

Social connection relates to both how many friends or other interpersonal relationships someone has as well as factors like how meaningful and supportive their interpersonal relationships are. Being socially connected is the opposite of being lonely, or not having people you can depend on.

When young people (and even adults) do not get enough sleep their mental health and well-being can suffer. Not getting enough sleep can affect a teenager’s mood, but also things like their ability to concentrate in class, their athletic performance, and even things like how safely they drive. The amount of sleep recommended for an individual depends on their age.

Youth benefit from at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily (things the elevate your heart rate and breathing). Physical activity improves both the physical and mental health of teens. 

Risk factors make it more likely a certain negative outcome will occur, while protective factors make it less likely a certain negative outcome will occur.