This document discusses developing good mental health. It states that mental health is equally as important as physical health for achieving goals and responsibilities. A mentally healthy person can cope with life's challenges and problems in a reasonable manner while still enjoying good times. Good mental health means having a positive self-concept, taking responsibility for one's actions, relating well to others, adapting to change, facing disappointments squarely, and accepting criticism openly. Factors like heredity, physical health, environment, and upbringing can influence mental health. Developing good habits, flexible disposition, strong family support, and practicing self-care promote positive mental wellness.
2. The physical aspects of health should not be the only goal of health education.It
is equally necessary to have a sound mind.
Everyone desires to be in the best of health to realize their goals and to perform
their duties and responsibilities. There are many challenges which will test every
person’s ability to meet them. These may pertain to problems brought about by
interpersonal relations or by the demands of work. There are may be many choices
requiring an individual to weigh things according to appropriate standards of
behavior. There may be several opportunities that may need wise decision-making
skills.
A mentally healthy person is ready to cope with what life has to offer. Most
problems can be resolved within a reasonable amount of time. Good times can be
fully enjoyed and bad times can be handled well. Emotional ups and downs do not
necessarily get in the way of accomplishing one’s task and goals in life.
3. Mental Health
The World Health Organization defines positive mental health as “ a state of
well-being in which an individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with
the normal stresses of life, can work poductively and is able to make a
contibution to his/her community”.
Individuals who have good mental health can adjust to themselves and the
world at large with maximum effectiveness, satisfaction and cheerfulness. They
also have the ability to accept themselves as they are. They function effectively
in society annd deal successfully with difficulties that may come their way.
They can face and accept the realities of life.
4. Characteristics of a Mentally Healthy Person
Positive Self-concept- Mentally healthy individuals have positive perceptions
of themselves. They give their best to anything they need to achieve. They
delight in their achievements and they improve on their weakness.
Sense of Responsibility- Mentally healthy persons accept responsibility for
their actions. They do not put the blame on anyone else when problems arise
as a result of their work. They are accountable for their actions.
Better Relationships with Other People- Persons who are mentally healthy get
along with others. They can adjust very well to any group of people they deal
with. They have a deep sense of concern for the well-being of other people.
Adaptability to Change- Change is unavoidable. Accepting Changes and
adapting to these are a sign of being mentally healthy. A mentally healthy
personis open to changes, especially when these result in his or her
development as a person and improvement of his/her mental and emotoinal
attitudes.
5. Ability to Face Shortcomings or Disappoinments- Mentally healthy individuals
learn to cope with unpleasant things and try not to brood over something that
they have not done.They can accept the fact that not everything that they like
can happen. It is a matter of dealing with disappointments and learning from
them. They arise above their miseries and deliver what is expected of them.
Ability to Face Problems Squarely- Mentally healthy individuals face the
various trials in life with calmness and broad-mindedness. They are aware that
running away from problems is not healthy, but facing problems and finding
ways to deal with them are sounds.
Ability to Accept Criticism- Mentally healthy individuals take criticism with an
open mind. They do not hit back at their critics. They analyze criticism and
learn from it.They can also rationally respond and defend themselves from
unfair criticism. They know that nobody is perfect and that they cannot please
everybody.
6. Factors Affecting Mental health
Hereditary Factors- refers to the physical or mental characteristics that parents
pass on their children.
Physical Factors- the physical condition of an individual has a direct effect on
his/her mental health.
Socio-cultural Factors- an individual develops attitudes and behavioral patterns
from experiences.
7. Factors that Help Develop Good Mental Health
1. Physical Health- persons who are physically healthy tend to be mentally healthy as
well. They can work well, plan well, and mingle with different kinds of people.
2. Flexible Disposition- people who are flexible can more often adapt to situations.
They can be expected to come up with informed decisions and not be easily upset
by circumstances. They can cope with their environment.
3. Parents at Home- Many traits , like friendliness, loyalty, kindness, and other
qualities, are learned and developed at home.
4. Habit Training During Childhood- Habits are learned behavior. Individuals should
learn good habits early in life. Experiences often times affect one’s present
behavior.
5. Ethical and Moral Upbringing- moral values and relationships with other people
are developed in the home, church, school, and community.
6. Personal Efforts to Practice Mental Hygiene- a person’s attitude toward work,
other people, authority, parents or world conditions determines the way a person
responds to any situation.