Mental Health
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, 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. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and the role it plays in our overall wellbeing. Today, mental health is considered to be just as important as physical health and is seen as a key factor in determining our overall wellbeing. Mental illness can have a profound impact on our lives, affecting our ability to work, study, socialize and take care of ourselves. It can also lead to problems with relationships, substance abuse and even suicide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. The WHO defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potentials, can cope with the normal stresses of life” In order for someone to be mentally healthy they must feel good about themselves both physically and emotionally while being able manage day-to-day activities without too much difficulty (WHO).