Mental Health

Mental Health refers to the level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness. It is the state of someone who is "functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment". From the perspectives of positive psychology or of holism, mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Mental health is a level of psychological well-being, or an absence of a mental disorder. It is the "psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment". From the perspective of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

History[edit | edit source]

The term mental hygiene has been used to refer to the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental illness. The term was first used by William Sweetser in the 19th century and was later popularized by mental health pioneers such as Clifford Beers and Emil Kraepelin.

Mental Health Disorders[edit | edit source]

Mental health disorders can affect mood, thinking and behavior. They can be occasional or long-lasting (chronic). They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental illnesses are common; more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their life.

Mental Health Services[edit | edit source]

Mental health services are available in many different settings. These services may be provided by a variety of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Mental health services may also be provided by primary care providers, such as family doctors, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners.

References[edit | edit source]

Mental Health Resources
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