Mental wellness
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Understanding Mental Wellness: Key Concepts and Approaches
Defining Mental Wellness
Mental Wellness vs. Mental Health
Mental wellness is often confused with mental health, but they are distinct concepts. Mental health is traditionally defined as the absence of mental illness, while mental wellness encompasses a broader spectrum, including positive psychological functioning and overall well-being 138. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health involves realizing one's abilities, coping with normal stresses, working productively, and contributing to the community . However, this definition has been critiqued for potentially excluding individuals who face significant life challenges yet maintain good mental health .
Key Components of Mental Wellness
Research identifies several key components of mental wellness, including life satisfaction, resilience, self-efficacy, self-esteem, connectedness, coping, self-control, mindfulness, hope, sense of coherence, happiness, and life purpose . These components reflect a holistic view of mental wellness that goes beyond the absence of mental illness to include positive emotional, psychological, and social well-being 17.
Measuring Mental Wellness
Instruments and Frameworks
A systematic review identified 79 instruments used to measure mental wellness in adolescents, highlighting a lack of consensus on definitions and the need for culturally and contextually appropriate tools . For older adults, a proposed framework includes eight dimensions: developmental, cognitive/intellectual, physical, emotional, social/relational, occupational/vocational, spiritual, and contextual/environmental/financial . This multi-dimensional approach emphasizes strengths, resilience, and recovery, offering a comprehensive way to address mental wellness in older populations .
Evaluation Approaches
Evaluating mental wellness initiatives, especially in Indigenous communities, often involves mixed methods and community-driven approaches. These initiatives prioritize cultural relevance and shared leadership between community members and researchers, addressing general mental wellness, substance use, and suicide prevention . Challenges include funding limitations and the burden on community staff, but the integration of cultural practices is crucial for success .
Enhancing Psychological Wellness
Pathways to Wellness
Five pathways to enhancing psychological wellness have been identified: forming wholesome early attachments, acquiring age-appropriate competencies, creating supportive environments, fostering empowerment, and developing coping skills . These pathways are essential for a comprehensive approach to mental wellness, addressing individual development and the impact of various contexts and policies .
Interdisciplinary Approaches
The scientific landscape of mental wellness has evolved through interdisciplinary research, incorporating insights from genetics, neuroscience, sociology, and economics. This diverse body of evidence supports a global public health framework that integrates traditional and complementary medicine with Western biomedical practices . Emphasizing individual self-care, resilience, and lifespan pathways for well-being can help reframe public health priorities and policies .
Conclusion
Mental wellness is a multi-faceted concept that extends beyond the absence of mental illness to include positive emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Measuring and enhancing mental wellness requires culturally relevant, context-specific instruments and frameworks that address various dimensions of well-being. Interdisciplinary approaches and community-driven initiatives are crucial for developing effective mental wellness programs that promote resilience and holistic health across different populations.
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