There is no sure way to prevent mental illness, however taking care of your overall health and taking steps to control stress will help to increase your resilience and self-esteem.  If you have a mental illness, a mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan and strategies to help you manage your symptoms.  A few ideas for helping include:

• Get routine and preventative medical care by your primary care physician.
• Get help when you need it! This will help ensure that symptoms are addressed early when they are easier to talk about, and ongoing, helping to prevent a relapse of symptoms.
• Pay attention to warning signs.  Learn what might trigger your symptoms.  If you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel, contact your doctor or therapist.  
• Involve family members or friends to help you watch for warning signs.