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Understanding Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It is the presence of positive characteristics rather than just the absence of mental health problems. It can be affected by the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties.
Mental illness, in contrast, has a serious impact on a person's ability to function effectively over a long period of time and may be the result of age, genetics and environmental factors. Mental illnesses are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour. They include mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and eating disorders.
The Canadian Mental Health Association says to consider these key characteristics when assessing your own mental health:
Ability to enjoy life - Can you live in the moment? Do you learn from the past and plan for the future without dwelling on things you can't change or predict?
Resilience - Can you bounce back from hard times? Can you manage the stress of a serious life event without losing your optimism and sense of perspective?
Balance - Are you able to juggle the many aspects of your life? Can you recognize when you might be devoting too much time to one aspect, at the expense of others? Are you able to make changes to restore balance when necessary?
Self-actualization - Do you recognize and develop your strengths so that you can reach your full potential?
Flexibility - Do you feel a range of emotions? Can you change your expectations to solve the problem and feel better?
When you have these positive characteristics, you are more likely to enjoy and participate in life through productive, meaningful activities and strong relationships. You will also be better equipped to cope with challenges and stress.
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