Mental Health is a state of well-being in which an individual: realizes their own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community. When I asked myself in the past if I've been in a state of well-being, I would often say "I'm okay" and then continue working and "numbing". My physical illnesses started to flair in my gut, neck, and lower back over years and told me otherwise, that my emotional and mental health are NOT OKAY.