What is mental health, really?

Clinical textbooks might say mental health is just the absence of mental disorders. But that's nowhere near what it really covers. Mental health goes much deeper than diagnostic criteria. It's the foundation that supports how we direct our entire lives.

Mental health definition beyond the textbook

Mental health is a dynamic state of internal balance that lets us use our abilities in harmony with society's values. The World Health Organization defines it as "a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community".

Mental health isn't fixed. It exists on a complex spectrum that each person experiences differently. Many people think mental health just means feeling happy all the time. That's far from reality.

People with good mental health feel all human emotions - sadness, anger, frustration, grief. They maintain their resilience to restore their inner balance. Mental health has several key parts:

• Emotional regulation - recognizing and expressing our feelings appropriately
• Simple cognitive and social skills - problem-solving, decision-making, and communicating effectively
• Flexibility to cope with tough life events
• Knowing how to function in social roles
• Balanced relationship between mind and body

Mental health shapes our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and how well we function daily. It affects how we handle stress, connect with others, and make choices.