Introduction:
Health and
illness are defined according to the values of society in which the person
belongs. When a person is able to adjust and adapt to his environment he said
to be healthy. A person with good mental health functions comfortably with the
society. He is satisfied himself and his achievements.
Definition of
health
According to
World Health Organization health is "a state of complete, physical, mental
and social well - being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health
Mental health is
a state of balance between the individual and surrounding world, a state of
harmony between oneself and others, a co-existence between the realities of the
self and that of other people and the environment.
Definition of
mental health
Karl Menninger
(1947) defines mental health as "An adjustment of human beings to the
world and to each other with a maximum of effectiveness and happiness".
The American
Psychiatric Association (APA 1980) defines mental health as
"Simultaneous success at working, loving and creating with the capacity
for mature and flexible resolution of conflicts between instincts, conscience, important
other people and reality".
Components of
mental health
The ability
to accept self- a mentally healthy individual feels comfortable about
himself. He feels reasonably secure and adequately accepts his surroundings.
The
capacity to feel right towards others- an individual who enjoys good
mental health is able to be sincerely interested in other's welfare. He has
friendships that are satisfying and lasting.
The ability
to fulfil the life's tasks- a mentally healthy person is able to think
for himself, set reasonable goals and take his own decision. He does something
about the problems as they arise.
Criteria
(characteristics) for mental health
A mentally
healthy person has-
·
Ability to make adjustments
·
Sense of personal worth, feels worthwhile and
important
·
Solves problems largely by his/her own effort
and makes his/her own decisions
·
Sense of personal security and feels secure in a
group, shows understanding of other people's problems and motives
·
Sense of responsibility
·
He/she can give and accept love
·
Lives in a world of reality rather than fantasy
·
Shows emotional maturity in his/her behavior,
and develops a capacity to tolerate frustration and disappointments in his/her
daily life
·
Has developed a philosophy of life that gives
meaning and purpose to his/her daily activities
·
Has a variety of interests and generally lives a
well-balanced life of work, rest and recreation.
Mental health is
a state of balance between the individual and surrounding world, a state of
harmony between oneself and others, a co-existence between the realities of the
self and that of other people and the environment.
COMMENTS