Mental health
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Defining Mental Health: Key Concepts and Evolving Definitions
Mental health is widely recognized as a fundamental part of overall health, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral well-being. It is not simply the absence of mental illness, but a dynamic state that allows individuals to realize their abilities, cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities Bhugra2013James2020Galderisi2024+3 MORE. Over time, definitions have shifted from focusing solely on the absence of disease to including positive aspects such as well-being, resilience, and the ability to manage emotions and relationships Galderisi2024Fusar-Poli2019Galderisi2015.
Recent definitions, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasize both well-being and functional abilities, but there is ongoing debate about how much emphasis should be placed on positive feelings versus the capacity to handle negative emotions and life challenges Galderisi2024Galderisi2015Wren-Lewis2019. Some experts argue that mental health should be seen as a state of internal equilibrium, where individuals can experience negative emotions but still maintain resilience and restore balance Galderisi2024Galderisi2015.
Core Domains and Influencing Factors in Mental Health
Good mental health involves several core domains: mental health literacy, attitudes toward mental disorders, self-perception, cognitive skills, emotional regulation, social skills, relationships, physical and sexual health, meaning in life, and quality of life . These domains are influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors Bhugra2013James2020Alamsyah2023.
Internal factors such as emotional resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of control are important, as are external factors like social support, living conditions, discrimination, and cultural context Bhugra2013Alamsyah2023Collins2020. The ability to form and maintain relationships, manage change, and function in social roles is central to mental health Bhugra2013Galderisi2024Fusar-Poli2019.
Mental Health Across the Lifespan and in Society
Mental health is not static; it fluctuates throughout life and is shaped by individual experiences and societal influences Galderisi2024Galderisi2015Collins2020. Adolescence, for example, is a critical period for the development of mental health, and early intervention can prevent long-term problems . Social determinants such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to care can increase vulnerability to mental health issues Bhugra2013Collins2020Prince2007.
Globally, mental health is recognized as a public good that requires action beyond the health sector, including addressing social determinants and promoting equity Collins2020Prince2007. Mental health is closely linked to physical health, with each influencing the other directly and indirectly Bhugra2013Prince2007.
Mental Health, Well-being, and Human Rights
There is increasing recognition of the need to distinguish mental health from overall well-being. While well-being is often associated with happiness and contentment, mental health also includes the psychological preconditions necessary to pursue any conception of a good life, even in the face of adversity Galderisi2024Galderisi2015Wren-Lewis2019. This perspective supports the idea that mental health is a primary good and a potential human right, justifying efforts to promote good mental health for all, not just those with mental illness .
Conclusion
Mental health is a complex, multifaceted concept that goes beyond the absence of illness to include resilience, emotional regulation, social functioning, and the ability to adapt to life’s challenges. It is shaped by a wide range of internal and external factors and is essential for overall well-being and societal participation. Ongoing debates about its definition highlight the importance of considering both positive and negative experiences, cultural context, and the need for supportive environments to foster mental health for everyone Bhugra2013Galderisi2024Fusar-Poli2019+6 MORE.
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What is good mental health? A scoping review.
Good mental health is a state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life's stresses and function productively, encompassing various domains like mental health literacy, emotions, and social skills.
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