Mental Health Nursing
ANSWER
Mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Although there is no one-size-fits-all definition of mental health, actions and behaviours reveal much about a person’s mental condition. Every society’s culture profoundly impacts its beliefs and ideals, which in turn affects how mental health is defined. Positive self-concept, emotional stability, fulfilling interpersonal relationships, and successful conduct in dealing with life’s pressures are all signs of good mental health because it impacts our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The importance of mental health cannot be overstated at any stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. The importance of mental health in maintaining physical health is frequently overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no health without mental health, which defines health as “a condition of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not only the absence of sickness or infirmity.” Although they are often used synonymously, poor mental health and mental illness differ. Even when no mental illness is present, a person’s mental state can worsen. Conversely, a person with a mental illness can experience periods of suitable physical, mental, and social health. A mental disorder is defined as “a clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and is associated with current distress or a significantly increased risk of death, pain, disability, or a significantly reduced level of freedom” by the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2000). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental illness is one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the United States (CDC). However, more than half of persons who experience mental illness choose not to receive care. People commonly put off or postpone getting therapy because of concern about being subjected to discrimination or losing their jobs and means of support. Some people continue stigmatizing, judging, and discriminating against people with mental illnesses.
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