Definition of the mental health

To be able to understand the importance of mental health it is crucial to mention its definition in the first place:

Mental health is defined as a state of mental well-being in which people cope with the many stresses of life, can realize their own potential, can function productively and are able to contribute to their communities.

It is important to note that mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders and that it exists on a complex continuum, with experiences ranging from an optimal state of well-being to debilitating states of great suffering and emotional pain.

Meaning, it can be experienced differently from one person to the next and have potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.

Mental health is a basic human right and as such is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development. (World Health Organization: WHO, 2022a)