MENTAL HEALTH
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
‘Mental Health’ is a term that is heard so often in our society, on the news and social media platforms. Mental health has become a very serious personal, social and economic threat, especially in light of the pandemic, natural disasters and economic volatility impacting all families. This negative ripple effect has filtered down to our kids, dramatically effecting their resilience and wellbeing. The Australian Department Government of Health states that almost half of all Australians will suffer from mental health, in some degree during their life (*1). The combination of recent life challenges have increased those figures greatly, and as a result, there is a significant probability that all Australians have been affected with a degree of mental health or stress related illness in some way.
Almost half of all Australians will suffer from mental health, in some degree during their life, the most common conditions being anxiety and depression. (*1)
Over 20% of Australians have taken time off work due to stress related illness or depression. (*3)
Over 35% of employed people do not wish to disclose their suffering of depression and anxiety to others (*3)
which makes the condition worse for many.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years. (*4)
However, the term ‘mental health’ is highly misunderstood, being confused through broadcast and conversations, as the description for conditions such as anxiety disorders, clinical depression or more severely, mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder and many other disorders. The true definition of mental health is not about illness, it is about mental wellness, which is the opposite of the stigma portrayed.
So, how do we solve this problem? ... The way forward towards a healthy mental and emotional state is achieved through education and the development of 'positive mental health'. Working through specific programs designed to educate on the psychological influences to adverse mental health, with evidence-based strategies to apply skills that develop and nurture psychological strength, and practices needed to achieve consistent ‘positive mental health’. The development of 'positive mental health' is vital for human survival, for well-being, relationships, work ethic, social connections and the strength of mind needed to progress past any challenge one faces.
The World Health Organisation defines
mental health as:
“A state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. (*5)
Based on that definition, it is important for all people to understand that “Adverse Mental Health” covers conditions such as , stress, general anxiety and depression, which ALL HUMANS experience, whereas “Positive Mental Health” covers one’s ability to have mental strength, maintain a healthy well-being and the ability to manage life’s challenges effectively. “Mental Illness” covers disorders such as major types of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, personality and eating disorders, and more, which is vastly different from mental health.
ADVERSE
MENTAL HEALTH
Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Stress Related Illnesses
MENTAL
HEALTH
State of Well-Being
Able to Cope with Stress
Productive
Able to Contribute to Others
POSITIVE
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Strength
Emotional Control
Healthy Well-Being
Resilience
Manage Stress Well
Confidence – Self-Worth
Positive Life Outlook
Driven to Achieve
Happiness – Fulfillment
Realise Your Full Potential
Positive Impact on Others
YOUR STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH
WILL AFFECT HOW YOU THINK, FEEL AND ACT.
This influences how you handle challenges and stress, the quality of your relationships, overall well-being and life outcomes.
