MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health

Mental Health

This essay will explore an insight into some of the definitions of mental health. I will also focus on common mental health problems as well as mental illness and its effects on an individual. I will be reflecting on some common areas/situation of mental health I have observed . The essay will focus on one mental illness which is 'depression'. The findings will be based on people with depression. The age of people affected by depression will be addressed. How to recognise it through the signs and symptoms and what led to it and how can it be treated will be analyzed. Further, it will look on how can positive mental health be promoted with people with depression.

The theory will be related to practice from experience and observation of people with depression. All names related to the practical experience and age will be changed due to confidentiality in accordance to Nursing Midwifery Council (2008) code of conduct. What is mental health? Mental health as defined by World Health Organisation (WHO) is “a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his cognitive and emotional capacities, function in society and meet the ordinary demands of every life”. The capacity to think rationally and logically and to cope with the transitions, stresses, traumas and losses that occur in all lives in ways that allow emotional stability and growth.

In general, mentally healthy individuals value themselves, perceive reality as it is, accept its limitations and possibilities, establish and maintain close relationships deal reasonably with others, pursue work that suits their talent and training and feel a sense of fulfilment that makes the efforts of daily living worthwhile. (Joubert, Taylor, 2006, pp 8). Mental health can be seen as a continuum where an individual's mental health may have many different possible values. Mental wellness is generally viewed as a positive attribute, such that a 2 person can reach enhanced lives of mental health, even if they do not have any diagnosable mental health condition. (Kates, et al., 2007)This definition of mental health highlights emotional well-being, the capacity to live a full and creative life, and the flexibility to deal with life's inevitable challenges. Many therapeutic systems and self-help books offer methods and philosophies espousing strategies and techniques vaunted as effective for further improving the mental wellness of otherwise healthy people. Positive psychology is increasingly prominent in mental health. (Lalonde, 2004, pp 25-55)

In fact mental health is our major resource for living well. It is fundamental to our quality of life and essential for healthy happy personal relationships. (Rosdolsky, 2005, 25) The capacity to comprehend, make sense of our environment, to relate effectively with other and people and to be able to cope with change. (Murray, 2006) It also indicates satisfa tory level of emotional and behaviour that allows a person to meet the demands of everyday's life. It has influences on thinking and feeling about us, our future and how we interpretation of ...