What’s wrong with me?” This question is ubiquitous amongst humankind, a near default reaction to any disorder in mental wellbeing. As humans, we often believe we are independent and self-controlled and whenever there is a problem, whether it be physical or mental, we instinctively feel the need to control and fix it- to take responsibility for our faults or actions. Self-blame is a common reaction following diagnosis with mental illness, and many people feel that the state of their mental health is a result of personal failure: an attitude issue, lack of effort, weakness, or cowardice. Modern societies compound this problem with traditionally held negative stereotypes around mental health issues, with societal expectations often stifling the already difficult decision to seek help or treatment for an affected individual. While society and individuals may push the blame to the individual themself, modern experiences, like that of the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine, have revealed to us truly how much all aspects of society and life affect our collective mental health. A myriad of factors like government policies, education system, family, and peers all affect how we regulate emotions and process the world around us.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a condition of well-being in which an individual recognizes his or her potential, can manage with typical life challenges, can work productively, and can contribute to his or her community." Without the correct assistance and monitoring, poor mental health can spread to the rest of the human body and experience, significantly raising the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke (CDC). Not only is the individual affected, but people in their immediate circle in family, romantic, and platonic interactions are also in danger of being severely impacted.

Mental health is a complex notion, as is the burden of responsibility for ensuring society's mental well-being. The range of factors that influence a person's thinking is vast, ranging from physical settings to interpersonal connections and access to healthcare. However, all in all, three overlapping major themes can be found amongst all of the factors: security, stability, and connectivity.

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