Best Mental health Network
Mental health is a term used to describe either a level of cognitive or
emotional wellbeing or an absence of a mental disorder. From perspectives of the
discipline of positive psychology or holism mental health may include an
individual's ability to enjoy life, procure a balance between life activities,
and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.
The World Health Organization states that there is no one "official" definition
of mental health. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing
professional theories all affect how "mental health" is defined.
History
In the mid 19th century William Sweetzer was the first to introduce an idea of
mental hygiene. Isaac Ray, one of thirteen founders of the American Psychiatric
Association, further defined mental hygiene as an art to preserve the mind
against incidents and influences which would inhibit or destroy its energy,
quality or development. At the beginning of the 20th century, Clifford
Whittingham Beers founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene and opened
the first outpatient mental health clinic in the United States.
This short section requires expansion.
Perspectives
Mental wellbeing
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Mental health can be seen as a continuum, wherein an individual's mental health
may have many different possible values. Mental wellness is generally viewed as
a positive attribute, such that a person can reach enhanced levels of mental
health, even if they do not have any diagnosable mental health condition. This
definition of mental health highlights emotional well being, the capacity to
live a full and creative life, and the flexibility to deal with life's
inevitable challenges. Many therapeutic systems and self-help books offer
methods and philosophies espousing strategies and techniques vaunted as
effective for further improving the mental wellness of otherwise healthy people.
Positive psychology is increasingly prominent in mental health.
A holistic model of mental health generally includes concepts based upon
anthropological, educational, psychological, religious and sociological
perspectives, as well as theoretical perspectives from personality, social,
clinical, health and developmental psychology.
An example of a wellness model includes one developed by Myers, Sweeny and
Witmer. It includes five life tasks — essence or spirituality, work and leisure,
friendship, love and self-direction—and twelve sub tasks—sense of worth, sense
of control, realistic beliefs, emotional awareness and coping, problem solving
and creativity, sense of humor, nutrition, exercise, self care, stress
management, gender identity, and cultural identity—are identified as
characteristics of healthy functioning and a major component of wellness. The
components provide a means of responding to the circumstances of life in a
manner that promotes healthy functioning.
Lack of a mental disorder
See also: Mental disorder
Mental health can also be defined as an absence of a major mental health
condition.
Cultural and religious considerations
Mental health can be socially constructed and socially defined; that is,
different professions, communities, societies and cultures have very different
ways of conceptualizing its nature and causes, determining what is mentally
healthy, and deciding what interventions are appropriate. Thus, different
professionals will have different cultural and religious backgrounds and
experiences, which may impact the methodology applied during treatment.
Many mental health professionals are beginning to, or already understand, the
importance of competency in religious diversity and spirituality. The American
Psychological Association explicitly states that religion must be respected.
Education in spiritual and religious matters is also required by the American
Psychiatric Association.
Mental health profession
Main article: Mental health professional
A number of professions have developed specializing in mental disorders,
including the medical speciality of psychiatry, divisions of psychology known as
clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, positive psychology, clinical or
mental health social work, mental health counselors, marriage and family
therapists, psychotherapists, counselors and public Health professionals.
Different clinical and academic professions tend to favor differing models,
explanations and goals.[
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