Mental
Wellness
Answer the following
Age
Introduction
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and
social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It
also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others,
and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage
of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
What is Health?
The World Health Organization’s definition of health is “a
state of complete physical, mental and social well-being
and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying
relationships
Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating
environments that support well-being
Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to
expand knowledge and skills
Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s
work
Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods
and sleep
Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging and a well-
developed support system
Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life
Mental Health key factors
Mental health is more than the absence of mental
disorders.
Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed,
there is no health without mental health.
Mental health is determined by a range of
socioeconomic, biological and environmental factors.
Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors
determine the level of mental health of a person at
any point of time. For example, violence and
persistent socio-economic pressures are recognized
risks to mental health. The clearest evidence is
associated with sexual violence
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.
Mental health is 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 Disorders
There are many different mental disorders, with different
presentations. They are generally characterized by a combination
of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behaviour and
relationships with others.
Mental disorders include: depression, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, and
developmental disorders including autism.
There are effective strategies for preventing mental disorders
such as depression.
There are effective treatments for mental disorders and ways to
alleviate the suffering caused by them.
Access to health care and social services capable of providing
treatment and social support is key.
What are some types of mental
disorders?
There are many different types of mental disorders. Some
common ones include
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-
compulsive disorder, and phobias
Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
Eating disorders
Personality disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia
What causes mental disorders?
There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors
can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as
Your genes and family history
Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse,
especially if they happen in childhood
Biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain
A traumatic brain injury
A mother's exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals while pregnant
Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
Having a serious medical condition like cancer
Having few friends, and feeling lonely or isolated
Mental disorders are not caused by character flaws. They have
nothing to do with being lazy or weak.
Beat the Stress
