About Mental Health
The World Health Organization (WHO), defines health as:
"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity"
Mental health is therefore an integral component of overall health. It is not simply an absence of a mental illness but covers a broad range of issues and refers to: how people think, feel, and look at themselves and their lives; how they relate to other people in their lives; how people interact with their own environment in ways that promote their sense of well-being, enhance personal development, and allow achievement of personal life goals; how people evaluate challenges and problems; how they explore choices, make decisions, and act when faced with life's situations, including handling stress.
Mental health problems begin when the balance in this complex system of thoughts and actions is upset by various factors, including high levels of stress, socio-economic, environmental and biological conditions, among others. Mental health problems affect one's thoughts, body, feelings, and behavior. They can be severe and significantly affect a person's life.
The promotion of mental health, specifically targeting vulnerable groups such as children, women, and people at risk of social exclusion, is often key to treating mental health problems, as is early detection and intervention. While there is a broad spectrum of mental health therapies, both health professionals and rights advocates have spoken in favor of psychosocial rehabilitation and consumer involvement in their own treatment and recovery. Being able to continue life in a community, having meaningful work, and maintaining relationships are important to recovery.
People with mental health problems have rights like everyone else. Unfortunately, stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems is still commonplace, as are violations of their fundamental right to self-determination and bodily integrity in treatment decisions.
In this section of the website, you will find information about various topics related to mental health issues, each including publications and reports, a list of other useful links, and best practices.
Selected Sources
WHO Constitution (2006), as amended by the Fifty-first World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mental Health page is a section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website specifically dedicated to mental health issues.
Mental Health Dictionary is an online glossary of mental health terms prepared by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.