Mental health according to the World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet no. 220 includes “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  It affects how we think, feel, and act.  It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy life choices.”  At any given time, any one of us can be vulnerable to mental health problems with this definition.  There are also many other determinants of mental health that are associated with stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyles, physical ill-health, and violations of our human rights.

Mental health is an integral and essential component of overall health. It is one of the dimensions of well-being that I added to my 9 dimensions of well-being chart. Not everyone sees mental health as part of our well-being, but that is quickly changing and many organizations that left it off their well-being wheels are being forced to reconsider it as an integral part of holistic well-being. Now more than ever we need realize that health in general is not about the absence of disease, it is multi-dimensional and holistic state of well-being.  God didn’t make us to merely deal with life and barely get by. He has made us in His image and wants us all to live abundant lives. People can have mental illness and still be well in some dimensions of well-being, just as is the case with any other dimensions.  The point is, we must realize that all the dimensions are inter-related. For example; if we are off spiritually it can affect our health holistically.  It does not mean that we are not well in general, but that if we develop better and more effective coping skills we can improve in areas where we merely are getting by increasing our resilience and moving beyond that into thriving and abundant life.

Key facts from an article on Mental health: strengthening our response 30 March 2018 (WHO) are:

• Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders.

• Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health.

• Mental health is determined by a range of socioeconomic, biological and environmental factors.

• Cost-effective public health and intersectoral strategies and interventions exist to promote, protect and restore mental health.

Being knowledgeable about what each of us can do to improve mental health for ourselves and others will improve society.  When basic rights are violated, it is difficult to maintain a high level of mental health.  We can all increase our awareness and knowledge; and then become involved in the broader issues within culture to promote mental health.  For example; By being involved in housing policies, stress prevention programs at work (like my stress reduction with art events); befriending a community or day center we can all help reduce the burden on others and collectively improve mental health. Personally you can get involved at home by; reducing the accessibility of alcohol and firearms, supporting child, youth, disability and aged programs in your community, donating to food pantries to help with poverty reduction, giving someone a ride who would normally need to take a cab or public transportation, or take a meal to a working mom on a regular basis. Being involved in your neighborhoods and community, being the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth, and promoting the rights of all people equally, helps improve mental well-being for many. It can also help reduce the suffering of others from outside concerns.

There is something we all can do, pick a cause, and get involved.  We all can take some action to promote psychological well-being and creating environments without stigma and improved psychological safety. Together we can be agents of change in our spheres of influence!