© Wellness4everyone 2008. All rights reserved.
Mental Health
Mental Health Articles
Mental Health
By Brian Gokey, CFT, BSMET
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a term used to describe either a level of cognitive or emotional
wellbeing or an absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can be seen as a continuum, where an individual's mental health may have
many different possible values. Mental wellness is generally viewed as a positive attribute, such that a person can reach enhanced
levels of mental health, even if they do not have any diagnosable mental health condition. This definition of mental health highlights
emotional well-being, the capacity to live a full and creative life, and the flexibility to deal with life's inevitable challenges.
Many therapeutic systems and self-help books offer methods and philosophies espousing strategies and techniques vaunted as effective
for further improving the mental wellness of otherwise healthy people. Positive psychology is increasingly prominent in mental health.
Positive
Mental Attitude (PMA)
There are many books written about and programs focusing on what a positive mental attitude is and how to obtain
just that - a positive mental attitude. Brian Tracy, in his audio series on “the Psychology of Achievement” details the laws of nature
that govern what we think, how we think, and how our thoughts affect those around us. This series is in essence an owners manual for
how to live a good and fruitful life as a human. Dale Carnegie in his age defying book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” outlines
how to get out of a mental rut and how to give yourself new thoughts visions, and new ambitions. His book talks of the mental attributes
that are available to all who choose to learn about them to help achieve success and happiness in our lives. There is something to
having a PMA and how it can change your life. More information on this subject can be found in the recommended reading section below.
What is the Human Spirit?
There are many categories that describe the human spirit, but here we will talk about two. The
first has to do with a meaningful purpose in life. Most of us want a life that has meaning and purpose. We want to look back on our
lives and be able to say we "made a difference." We look forward to a fulfilling family life and career. Those people who have a sense
of direction and purpose seem to be happier and healthier. In like manner, those people who have clearly defined values, and live
consistently with them are happier and healthier. Those who have not defined their values and/or do not live in accordance with their
values, tend to suffer poor self-esteem. The second category, internal and external relationships, refers to your relationship with
yourself and with those around you. The development of healthy relationships, with both yourself and those around you, leads to enhanced
spirituality and a healthier life. Spiritual health is all about developing or exercising these intangible yet vital capacities of
the human spirit.
Spirituality
Studies have proven repeatedly that people who believe in a higher being, Supreme Being, or creator
have overall less stress in their lives. The same studies show that these people heal faster when sickness or illness is present.
People who are into meditation or yoga experience similar feelings when they can get into a relaxed state. Spirituality has also played
a central role in self-help movements such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Bottom line: belief in God is proven healthy for the human
body, mind, and spirit.
More information on Senior Health
You can find more Senior Health information in the Health articles section
of www.wellness4everyone.com.
