Mental health and well-being are issues of everyday life that impact families, schools, workplaces, institutions, neighbourhoods and communities. Mental health issues affect people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender, economic status or ethnicity. Whatever our situation, we are all at risk of poor mental health at some point in our life. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis.

Those who can do something to promote mental health include individuals, families, communities, private industry, educational organizations, government departments and health professionals. Particularly important are the decision-makers in governments at local and national level whose actions affect mental health in ways that they may not realize.