4. “Mental health is a state of
well-being in which an
individual realizes his or her
own abilities, can cope with
the normal stresses of life,
can work productively and is
able to make a contribution
to his or her community.”
(WHO definition, accessed 8.1.2017)
4
7. Mental
Health is a
state of mind
…. that allows you to endlessly
cope with the challenges life
throws at you. This state of
mind can at any time be
eroded by risk factors or
supported by protective
factors. 7
Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. The WHO constitution states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.
Mental health and well-being are fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy life. On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health can be regarded as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies throughout the world.
MENTAL HEALTH IS OUR ABILITY TO RESPOND TO CHALLENGES
MENTAL HEALTH IS OUR ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK AND GET ON COURSE!
Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors determine the level of mental health of a person at any point of time. For example, persistent socio-economic pressures are recognized risks to mental health for individuals and communities. The clearest evidence is associated with indicators of poverty, including low levels of education.
Poor mental health is also associated with rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, risks of violence, physical ill-health and human rights violations.
There are also specific psychological and personality factors that make people vulnerable to mental disorders. Lastly, there are some biological causes of mental disorders including genetic factors which contribute to imbalances in chemicals in the brain.
About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14. Similar types of disorders are being reported across cultures. Neuropsychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of worldwide disability in young people. Yet, regions of the world with the highest percentage of population under the age of 19 have the poorest level of mental health resources. Most low- and middle-income countries have only one child psychiatrist for every 1 to 4 million people.
About 23% of all years lost because of disability is caused by mental and substance use disorders.
Rates of mental disorder tend to double after emergencies.
ntal disorders increase the risk of getting ill from other diseases such as HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and vice-versa
Misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental ill health are widespread. Despite the existence of effective treatments for mental disorders, there is a belief that they are untreatable or that people with mental disorders are difficult, not intelligent, or incapable of making decisions. This stigma can lead to abuse, rejection and isolation and exclude people from health care or support. Within the health system, people are too often treated in institutions which resemble human warehouses rather than places of healing.
These include physical restraint, seclusion and denial of basic needs and privacy. Few countries have a legal framework that adequately protects the rights of people with mental disorders.