Defining Mental Health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as: ‘A state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her or his community’.

Our mental health affects the way we experience the world; how we think, feel, and behave towards ourselves and others. WHO defines mental health as a ‘state of well-being’ and just as physical health is intrinsic to well-being so is mental health.

The mental health organisation ‘Mind’ suggests that if you have good mental well-being you are able to:

·       feel relatively confident in yourself and have positive self-esteem

·       feel and express a range of emotions

·       build and maintain good relationships with others

·       feel engaged with the world around you

·       live and work productively

·       deal with stresses of daily life

·       adapt and manage in times of change and uncertainty

Both Mind and the WHO’s definition of mental health refer to a person’s wellbeing.

“When you think about wellness, think prevention and health. When you think about well-being think happiness”.

Susie Ellis, Chair of the Global Wellness Institute.