Lesson 1: What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It involves our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, impacting how we think, feel, and behave. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being that enables individuals to realize their potential, cope with stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community (WHO, 2018).
Everyone experiences mental health on a continuum — it fluctuates naturally. Having good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time but having tools and support to manage challenges.
Resources & References:
- World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health: strengthening our response. (2018)
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response - Beyond Blue. What is mental health?
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/what-is-mental-health - The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
https://www.amazon.com.au/Happiness-Trap-Struggling-Start-Living/dp/1590305841
