Mental health: A state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. ~ World Health Organisation
Defining mental health
Mental health: A state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
~ World Health Organisation
Gathering definitions from Oxford Dictionary, and U.S. Department of Health & Services, mental health encompasses one’s psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing, all of which can be expanded upon. Let’s look at them individually:
- Emotional
Not to be confused with psychological health, emotional health is about expressing and controlling emotions. - Psychological
Psychological health looks cognitive (a fancy word for thought) processes. - Social
Reputation, financial status, relationships, etc.
Good mental health
- Healthy and quality relationships
- A sense of autonomy (I can make decisions independently)
- A sense of purpose in life
- Continual growth and development
- The ability to manage the environment around you
Consequences of poor mental health* (examples)
- Mental illness
- Physical ailments (e.g. poor sleep, weak immune system)
- Loss of productivity and performance levels
- Frustration
- Poor self concept (e.g. “I am a useless person”)
Mental health is often neglected, but it influences a lot of outcomes in your life. Whether you choose to work towards positive outcomes or the negative outcomes, is completely up to you!
Talk to us!
1. What are the things you can do, or have been doing for your mental health?
2. What are the benefits of being mentally healthy?
*Having good mental health does not mean you will never experience such things; good mental health will reduce the chances of them happening.
References, Links & Sources:
- http://www.liberalarts.wabash.edu/ryff-scales/
- http://www.campushealthandsafety.org/mentalhealth/consequences/
- World Health Organization. (2001). The World Health Report 2001: Mental health: New understanding, new hope. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/whr/2001/en/whr01_en.pdf
- World Health Organization. (2004). Promoting mental health: Concepts, emerging evidence, practice: A summary report. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/promoting_mhh.pdf