The Concept of Mental Health

Health is a condition of mental, physical and social well being where infirmity and illness are absent. Various definitions have also been employed over the years for various purposes. Modern approaches to health have resulted in many concepts being associated with health. Mental health is related to the individual’s ability to live an active and healthy life and also involves the capacity to enjoy the process of living.

It also includes aspects such as physical health, the proper functioning of the organs involved in the body system, and the maintenance of body processes and metabolism. When we speak of the body’s ability to heal itself, it usually signifies the proper functioning of the immune system, digestive, respiratory, excretory, somatic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems. It also involves the ability of the tissues to absorb and distribute nutrition and the extent of personal health knowledge and ability. This is the sum total of all the various systems that support the body and keep it healthy and strong.

The four additional facets of good health are the self-esteem, the sense of control, the involvement in activities that promote well-being as well as the relatedness. It is very important that we recognize and appreciate the interdependence of the various dimensions of our well-being. The four facets of mental health and well-being are health, emotional well-being, physical well-being and social/emotional well-being. This makes it possible to say that mental illness does not co-exist with physical illness but it exists within the relationship between the two.