The Definition of
Mental Health.
Introduction
The definition of mental health is not the same as the definition of sanity.
For example, somebody who has not been diagnosed with a mental disease can still be going around doing insane things like harming themselves or others for example.
Mental Health Defined as Wellness
Mental health can be defined as a state or condition on which an individual feels a sense of wellbeing. This gives them the capacity to live life in fulfillment of what they want to achieve in accordance to the available resources.
This condition also provides an individual the capacity to be resilient to the stresses of life and to respond to these challenges without having to compromise their health or wellness. This also makes the person productive and fruitful to themselves and the community.
Mental wellness could also be defined as the lack of mental problems or disorders.
People who do not present diagnosable behaviors that could qualify as a mental disorder are seen as mentally healthy. For example, someone who has an obsession on things may not necessarily have a mental disorder like obsession.
Thus they are said to have mental wellness. But when this obsession is combined with unrelenting compulsion to do the object of obsession, the person may already be diagnosed with a mental disorder called Obsessive-compulsive Disorder or OCD.
It could also be seen as a positive element in an individual's personality which makes it possible to enhance mental wellness regardless of a diagnosable mental disorder.
This definition covers a person's capacity to:
- Live life to the fullest.
- Be responsible for their own happiness, health and wellness.
- Respond well to the environment through conscious or unconscious use of coping mechanisms.
- Be able to balance emotional and psychological wellbeing in relation to a constant flow of new experiences.
Mental Health Across Cultures
The World Health Organization believes that there is no single definition for mental health due to differences in culture. What could be mentally healthy (or acceptable behavior) in one culture may present something too eccentric in another.
Example One
Cannibalistic behavior in some tribes living in remote areas is highly regarded as a religious practice however, in the majority of the urbanized world, this could be seen as barbaric or insane.
Example Two
While wife beating is considered normal in some cultures, it is considered to be abnormal and generally
not accepted in the rest of the world.
Disruption in Mental Health
Abnormalities in mental health could lead to a number of problems with various representations.
Some people with mental illnesses have aggressive behaviors while others are withdrawn and lack social interest. Each type of disorder has its own signs and symptoms therefore; diagnosis as well as treatment vary depending on the nature of the mental heath problem.
There are several factors that disrupt mental health including
- Environment or upbringing.
- Biological make-up.
- Pre-programmed instructions in the genes.
- Medical disorders.
- Traumatic experiences such as:
- Loss.
- Mental, emotional, physical, intellectual or financial abuse.
- Substance abuse such as alcohol, drugs, sugar, food etc.
While one factor could be more dominant than the other, all of these are contributors to the development of the majority of mental health disorders.
In some cases, a single factor may be sufficient to trigger the disorder, but the majority of disorders require an accumulation of experiences that constantly challenge the wellness of the person involved.
What Preserves Mental Health?
The preservation of mental health is highly dependent on the capacity of the person to:
- Blend into their environment and handle associated stresses.
Contrary to popular opinion, this does not mean that they need to accept un-acceptable behaviors or environments. All that is required is to "handle" situations effectively.
- Achieve a good internal personality balance that is sufficient to give a stable character.
- Create a good perspective that would limit the damages of negative experiences.
For some people, a good support system such as sympathetic family members or a strong non-professional support group may work well to safeguard mental health and improve wellness in general. Others may need to seek professional help.
Examples of Non-Professional Support Groups
The above lists are far from comprehensive.
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