02-20-2009, 07:29 PM
Good mental health is an important element of overall health and well being. Definitions of mental health are difficult and many have been suggested. The Health Education Board for Scotland, in the document "Mental Health Promotion: A Strategic Statement" highlights the suggestion that it may be better to move from trying to get a definition to agreeing the parameters of good mental health, such as:
Ensuring that our basic needs are met; this incorporates both a range of social and psychological conditions such as adequate food and shelter, as well as higher needs such as affectionate relationships and membership of a group,,,,,,,,,,
Nurturing the development of skills such as the ability to manage change, recognize and communicate our feelings as well as cope with stress in our environment.
Acknowledge that feelings and beliefs such as feeling worthy, understanding and acceptance that psychological or emotional problems can and do occur in ourselves and others; in addition, good mental health involves feeling positive about self and others.
Everyone has mental health needs, not just those with a diagnosis of mental illness.
The mental well being of children and young people can be affected if they suffer the breakdown of close personal relationships and do not have emotional support. There is evidence that among young people, boys have less emotional support than girls. Greater personal isolation during teenage years may make boys and young men more vulnerable to mental health problems. Rates of suicide among young men in particular cause concern within the Eastern Board area.
Ensuring that our basic needs are met; this incorporates both a range of social and psychological conditions such as adequate food and shelter, as well as higher needs such as affectionate relationships and membership of a group,,,,,,,,,,
Nurturing the development of skills such as the ability to manage change, recognize and communicate our feelings as well as cope with stress in our environment.
Acknowledge that feelings and beliefs such as feeling worthy, understanding and acceptance that psychological or emotional problems can and do occur in ourselves and others; in addition, good mental health involves feeling positive about self and others.
Everyone has mental health needs, not just those with a diagnosis of mental illness.
The mental well being of children and young people can be affected if they suffer the breakdown of close personal relationships and do not have emotional support. There is evidence that among young people, boys have less emotional support than girls. Greater personal isolation during teenage years may make boys and young men more vulnerable to mental health problems. Rates of suicide among young men in particular cause concern within the Eastern Board area.