Ways in which Mental Wellbeing and Mental Health are Understood

Mental wellbeing and mental health are recognised as integral components of overall health, deeply intertwined with physical health. Disturbances or poor management of mental health can lead to physical health complications and vice versa.
Mental health has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of well-being where every individual realises their potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work fruitfully and productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community.
Mental wellbeing, on the other hand, refers to how an individual thinks, feels, and behaves. It’s more focused on everyday functionality, emotional state, stress coping mechanisms, relationships, and life satisfaction.
Perception of mental health and wellbeing largely depends upon cultural, societal, and personal contexts. Different cultures and societies may have different understandings of mental health, influenced by beliefs about mental disorders, treatment approaches, and the overall perception of well-being.
The dual continuum model is a prominent approach to understanding mental health and wellbeing, indicating that mental health and mental illnesses are related but distinct dimensions. An individual can have poor mental health but no mental illness, and someone with a mental illness could still experience periods of robust mental health.
Understanding distress and what is considered ‘normal’ vs ‘abnormal’ can be complicated in mental health discussions. What may be viewed as “normal distress” in one situation may be seen as a mental health issue in another context.
Mental wellbeing can be affected by various factors - biological (like genetics, age, gender), psychological (like personality, coping skills), and environmental (like cultural, societal values, life events). These factors can influence the onset, progression, and management of mental health issues.
Contemporary understanding focuses on a recovery and wellness approach, which values and fosters resilience and personal strength, instead of merely focusing on treating symptoms of mental health disorders.
Mental health and wellbeing are considered to be dynamic and fluid, which means they can change over time, with circumstances and stages of life. So, mental wellbeing isn’t about being happy all the time, but about understanding and managing ups and downs of mood and emotions.
Mental health promotion and prevention strategies are essential and need to be understood as critical components of healthcare policies. These strategies can enhance mental wellbeing by early intervention, reducing stigma, improving awareness, and facilitating accessible and affordable mental healthcare services.