Mental
health is a concept that refers to a human individual's emotional
and psychological well-being. Merriam-Webster defines mental
health as "A state of emotional and psychological well-being
in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive
and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet
the ordinary demands of everyday life."
According
to the World Health Organization, there is no one "official"
definition of mental health. Cultural differences, subjective
assessments, and competing professional theories all affect
how "mental health" is defined.
In general,
most experts agree that "mental health" and "mental
illness" are not opposites. In other words, the absence
of a recognized mental disorder is not necessarily an indicator
of mental health.
One way
to think about mental health is by looking at how effectively
and successfully a person functions. Feeling capable and competent;
being able to handle normal levels of stress, maintain satisfying
relationships, and lead an independent life; and being able
to "bounce back," or recover from difficult situations,
are all signs of mental health.
Encompassing
your emotional, social, and—most importantly—your
mental well-being; All these aspects—emotional, physical,
and social—must function together to achieve overall
health.
