Mental health facts
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Key Facts About Mental Health
Definition of Mental Health
World Health Organization (WHO) Definition
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being where individuals realize their abilities, cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community 1. This definition emphasizes positive feelings and functioning, but it has been critiqued for potentially misrepresenting mental health by equating it solely with positive emotions and productivity 1.
Broader Perspectives
Mental health is also seen as an integral part of overall health, encompassing the ability to form relationships, perform social roles, and manage emotions 3. It involves a balance within oneself and between oneself and the environment, influenced by biological, social, psychological, and environmental factors 3.
Components of Mental Health
Emotional, Psychological, and Social Well-being
Mental health includes emotional well-being (happiness, life satisfaction), psychological well-being (self-acceptance, personal growth), and social well-being (social contribution, social integration) 1. These components highlight the multifaceted nature of mental health, extending beyond the absence of mental illness to include positive functioning and social integration 1.
Mental Health Continuum
Mental health exists on a continuum from languishing to flourishing. Flourishing individuals exhibit high levels of well-being and functioning, while languishing individuals experience low well-being and functioning, often associated with higher risks of mental health issues like depression 7.
Prevalence and Impact of Mental Health Issues
Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
Mental health issues often begin in childhood and adolescence, with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression being prevalent. For instance, about 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years have ADHD, and 20.9% of adolescents aged 12-17 years have experienced a major depressive episode 5. These conditions can significantly impact physical health, social relationships, education, and employment 5.
Mental Health in Medical Professionals
Young doctors, particularly during their first postgraduate year, are at high risk for mental health problems such as depression, which can lead to severe outcomes like drug abuse and suicide. Factors contributing to these issues include personality traits, perceived stress, and work environment pressures 9.
Factors Influencing Mental Health
Biological, Social, and Environmental Factors
Mental health is influenced by a range of factors including genetics, social conditions (e.g., housing, poverty), and environmental stressors. Poor social conditions and discrimination can exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities 3.
Diet and Nutrition
There is a growing interest in the relationship between diet and mental health. Adherence to healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, is associated with a reduced risk of depression. However, the relationship is complex and influenced by factors like stress and medication 8.
Physical Exercise
Exercise is linked to improvements in mental health, particularly in reducing anxiety and depression. While short-term aerobic exercise can improve mood, long-term exercise programs show more significant benefits for those with elevated anxiety or depression 6.
Conclusion
Mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of overall health, influenced by a variety of biological, social, and environmental factors. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being and exists on a continuum from languishing to flourishing. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for promoting mental health and addressing mental health issues effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Toward a new definition of mental health
Mental health should be viewed as a complex, multidimensional concept that considers both positive emotions and positive functioning, rather than just focusing on positive emotions and functioning.
Highly Cited“Mental Illness: The Fundamental Facts”
This compact booklet distills the fundamental facts about mental illness, highlighting hidden morbidity and resource shortfalls, to help multidisciplinary teams address the issue.
What is mental health?
Mental health is defined as a state of balance within oneself and one's environment, promoting emotional well-being, social interaction, and overall well-being.
Mental Health Surveillance Among Children — United States, 2013–2019
Mental disorders are a substantial public health concern among children aged 3-17 years, with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety being the most prevalent.
Highly CitedExercise and Mental Health
Exercise can improve mental health, but excessive exercise can lead to mood disturbances and worsen physical health.
Highly CitedThe mental health continuum: from languishing to flourishing in life.
Flourishing and moderate mental health are associated with superior psychosocial functioning, while languishing and depression are associated with significant psychosocial impairments.
Observational StudyHighly CitedFood and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing?
Adherence to healthy dietary patterns, high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, is associated with reduced risk of depression, but the relationship is complex and may involve reverse causality.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMental health problems among young doctors: an updated review of prospective studies.
Depression is most prevalent among young doctors during their first postgraduate years, with factors like family background, personality traits, and work stress being predictive, but gender differences may exist.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedBehavioral Modeling for Mental Health using Machine Learning Algorithms
Machine learning algorithms can effectively predict the onset of mental illness in various target groups, benefiting society by serving as a monitoring tool for individuals with deviant behavior.
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