What is mental health?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely absence of disease.

Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. It is the foundation for individual wellbeing and the effective functioning in a community.

Mental health is also related to promotion of mental well-being, prevention of mental disorders and treatment, rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders.

It is a state of balance between the individual and the surrounding world, a state of harmony between oneself and others, a coexistence between the realities of the self and that of other people and that of other people and the environment.

Indications of mental health:

6 indicators of mental health are:

1. A Positive attitude towards self.
2. Growth, development and the ability for self actualization.
3. Integration.
4. Autonomy.
5. Perception of reality.
6. Environmental mastery.
(Johada,1958)

7 signs of mental health:

1. Happiness
2. Control over behaviour
3. Appraisal of reality
4. Effectiveness in work
5. Healthy self concept
6. Satisfying relationships
7. Effective coping strategies

Characteristics of mentally healthy persons:

1. He has an ability to make adjustments
2. He had his sense of Personal Worth, feels worthwhile and important
3. He solves his problems largely by his own efforts and makes his own destiny.
4. He has his sense of personal security and feels secure in a group, shows understanding of other people's problems and motives.
5. He has his sense of responsibility.
6. He can give and accept love.
7. He lives in a world of reality rather than fantasy.
8. He shows emotional maturity in his behaviour and develops a capacity to tolerate frustration and disappointments in his daily life.
9. He has developed a philosophy of life that gives meaning and purpose to his daily activities.
10. He has a variety of interest and generally lives a well balanced life of work, rest and recreation.