Mental health

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. (WHO, 2007)

Mental Health is about :

·                                 How we feel about ourselves

·                                 How we feel about others

·                                 How we are able to meet the demands of life

Being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem.

If you’re in good mental health, you can:

·                                 Make the most of your potential

·                                 Cope with life

·                                 Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends

Some people call mental health ‘emotional health’ or ‘well-being’ and it’s just as important as good physical health. We all have times when we feel down or stressed or frightened. Most of the time those feelings pass. But sometimes they develop into a more serious problem and that could happen to any one of us. Everyone is different. You may bounce back from a setback while someone else may feel weighed down by it for a long time.

Your mental health doesn’t always stay the same. It can change as circumstances change and as you move through different stages of your life. Many people don’t even feel comfortable talking about their feelings. But it’s healthy to know and say how you’re feeling.

 CHARACTERISTICS OF A MENATLLLY HEALTHY PERSON

They feel good about themselves:

1.         They are not overwhelmed by their own emotions - fears, anger, love, jealousy, guilt or worries.

2.         They can take life’s disappointments in their stride.

3.         They have a tolerant, easy-going attitude towards themselves as well as others and they can laugh at themselves.

4.         They neither underestimate nor overestimate their abilities.

5.         They can accept their own shortcomings.

6.         They have self-respect.

7.         They feel able to deal with most situations.

8.         They can take pleasure in simple, everyday things.

            They feel comfortable with other people:

9.         They are able to give love and consider the interests of others.

10.       They have personal relationships that are satisfying and lasting.

11.       They like and trust others, and feel that others will like and trust them.

12.       They respect the many differences they find in people.

13.       They do not take advantage of others nor allow others to take advantage of them.

14.       They feel they can be part of a group.

15.       They feel a sense of responsibility to fellow human beings.

            They are able to meet the demands of life:

16.       They do something about their problems as they arise.

17.       They accept their responsibilities.

18.       They shape their environment whenever possible; they adjust to it whenever  necessary.

19.       They try to plan ahead and do not fear the future.

20.       They welcome new experiences and new ideas.

21.       They use their talents.

22.       They set realistic goals for themselves.

23.       They are able to make their own decisions.

24.       They put their best effort into what they do, and get satisfaction from doing it.