BY. ASHLEY MCLAUGHLIN TOPICS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY I SPRING 2015 Mental Health Promotion

Mental Health: What is it? The dictionary defines mental health as: “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being (n.d.).” The World Health Organization defines mental health 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 her or his community (Mental health: A state of well-being, 2014).”

Positive Mental Health “Positive mental health — feeling well, functioning well, and being resilient in the face of life’s challenges — improves quality of life and is integral to overall health and well-being, even when there are on-going limitations caused by mental health problems and illnesses (Promoting mental health and preventing mental illness, 2012) ”.

Factors Involved in Mental Health Biological Psychological Social Environmental  Poverty  Low educational levels  Poor housing  Low income As these factors increase and persist for an individual (or community) the greater risk to mental health. (How To Promote Good Mental Health, 2010)

Mental Health Promotion What does it involve?  Mental Health Promotion often involves actions to create environments that support mental health and allow people to embrace and uphold healthy lifestyles (Mental health: Strengthening our response, 2014).  It also “aims at enhancing an individual’s ability to achieve psychosocial well-being and at coping with adversity” (Min, Lee, & Lee, 2013). What is needed for it to be successful?  A climate that protects “basic civil political, socio-economic and cultural rights is fundamental to mental health promotion” (Mental health: Strengthening our response, 2014).  It is vital to involve education, labor, justice, transport, environment, housing, health and welfare sectors when promotion mental health by way of governmental policies and programs (Mental health: Strengthening our response, 2014).

How can Mental Health be Promoted? Action is required to promote good mental health (How To Promote Good Mental Health, 2010). Children & Adolescents:  Early Childhood Interventions  Pre-school psychosocial activities, pregnancy home visits, and psychosocial help for disadvantaged populations.  Support for Children  Developmental Programs Women  Socio-economic Empowerment  Access to Education Elderly  Social Support  Community and day centers (Mental health: Strengthening our response, 2014)

Promotion Information continued… Laws and Campaigns  Anti-discrimination  Poverty Reduction  Housing Policies  Basic civil, cultural, political and socio-economic rights (Mental health: Strengthening our response, 2014) Programs  Promotion of rights and opportunities for individuals with mental illness  Targeted programs for minorities  Violence Prevention ( How To Promote Good Mental Health, 2010)

Prevention and Promotion Oftentimes Promotion and Prevention are interrelated and overlap. Mental Health Promotion can involve specific events and activities for prevention A framework of prevention can prevent or delay certain mental health conditions, while promoting positive mental well-being (Promoting Mental Health & Well Being, n.d.). Research is critical to the prevention and promotion of mental health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).

Human Rights and Promotion “A climate that respects and protects basic civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights is fundamental to the promotion of mental health”. Otherwise it is very difficult to maintain high level/positive mental health. Mental health promotion does not solely rely on ministries of health. Human rights encompass “civil, cultural, economic, political, and social dimensions and thus provide a framework to consider mental health across the wide range of mental health determinants”. (Promoting Mental Health, 2004)

Promotion Approach There are various approaches to mental health promotion. The multidisciplinary approach involving research, policy, and practice in employment, education, justice, welfare and the built environment aims to improve mental health through increased participation and social connectedness. (Promoting Mental Health, 2004)

In Conclusion Promotion can be achieved through effective public health interventions. Mental Health is not an individual concern, but rather a community responsibility. Research is vital and needs to increase in this area of concern. Programs and resources are crucial to increase and maintain a community’s sense of mental health and it’s continues promotion. (Promoting Mental Health, 2004)

References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Public Health Action Plan to Integrate Mental Health Promotion and Mental Illness Prevention with Chronic Disease Prevention, 2011–2015. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. How To Promote Good Mental Health. (2010, June 29). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from health/ health/ Mental health: A state of well-being. (2014, August). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Min, J., Lee, C., & Lee, C. (2013, December). Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention: A Challenge for Psychiatrists. Retrieved April 14, 2015, from

References Continued… (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from health Mental health: Strengthening our response. (2014, August). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Promoting Mental Health. (2004). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Mental Illness. (2012). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from illness/ Promoting Mental Health & Well Being. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2015, from