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Mental Health and Well-being

kiranakeel
Nov 11, 20227 min read


Introduction

WHO (2004) conceptualizes mental health as a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to his or her community.” Reaching one's full potential, showing tenacity in the face of difficulty, being successful in everyday life, making lasting relationships, and giving back to the community are all necessary for wellness. Numerous physical, cognitive, sociological, cultural, and religious factors, among others, have an impact on mental health. The same is true of one's physical and psychological well-being. For society to operate, promoting and protecting mental health is crucial. It fosters togetherness and builds social capital, which is essential in trying times.

Determinants of Mental Health

Source: The Matilda Centre. (2022). The social determinants of mental health. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dxx7RE8MAw.

The social determinants are the variables in which one is born, nurtured, works, and

grows old. These conditions shape people's mental fitness and well-being. The social factors of mental well-being are rooted in societal factors such as culture, institutions, and policies. Research suggests that the social determinants of mental health are important risk factors for mental illness. Mental illness is common among people who experience social disadvantage, including poverty, discrimination, and social isolation. The societal aspects of mental health are also important determinants of access to health care. (Acmedsci, 2020) People who experience social disadvantage are less likely to have access to mental health services. They are also more likely to experience barriers to care, such as transportation, language, and financial obstacles. Addressing the social determinants of mental health is essential to improving mental health and well-being. It is also critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Theories and Concepts

There are several theories in mental health, but some of the most important ones include cognitive, behavioural, and psychodynamic approaches. Cognitive theories focus on the way that people think about and process information. These theories suggest that it is possible to change how people think to improve their mental health. Behavioural approaches focus on the way that people behave and the environment in which they live. These theories suggest that changing people's behaviours to improve their mental health is possible. Psychodynamic theories focus on how people's emotions and experiences interact. These theories suggest that it is possible to alter how people interrelate with each other to improve their mental health. There are many vital concepts in mental health. However, the following are the most important: Mental wellness is a condition of well-being in which one can handle the demands of everyday life and work productively. It involves one's emotions, psychology, and social well-being. It controls how one reason, feels and behaves. Mental wellness is vital in each aspect of life, from childhood and youth through adulthood.

Socio-Ecological Model of Mental Health

The socio-ecological model (SEM) is a framework that can be used to understand and address mental health problems at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal levels. This model highlights the importance of considering the numerous factors that influence mental health and how various levels of intervention can be used to address mental health problems. The model's layers are interrelated and impact one another.

Source: Michaels, C., Blake, L., Lynn, A., Greylord, T., & Benning, S. (2022, April 18). Mental health and well-being ecological model. Center for Leadership Education in Maternal & Child Public Health, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. from https://mch.umn.edu/resources/mhecomodel/


Individual:

At the individual level, the SEM points to various facets influencing an individual's mental health. These factors include the individual's characteristics, social environment, and the larger society and culture in which they live. Prevention strategies at this level include life skills training and social-emotional learning.

Relationship:

The SEM at the relationship level posits that the quality of relationships between a person’s closest social circle-peers, partners, and family members influences their behaviour and contributes to their experience. This model emphasizes the importance of social support in promoting mental health and well-being. Prevention strategies at this level include parenting and family-focused prevention programs and mentoring and peer programs.

Organizations:

In organizations, SEM is determined by the interaction between individuals and their

social and physical environments. It emphasizes the importance of individual-level and

contextual factors in shaping mental health outcomes. Prevention at this level focuses on creating a supportive environment at schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods that promote mental health and well-being.

Communities:

In communities, SEM is determined by the interaction between individuals and their

social and physical environments. Factors at the community level that can impact mental health include socioeconomic status, community violence, and natural disasters. Prevention can be achieved by creating safe places where people live, learn, work, and play.

Policy:

The SEM considers the interaction between individuals, their social environment, and the policies that affect them. It is a way of understanding how individual, social, and policy factors interact to influence mental health. Prevention at this level is achievable by promoting household financial security, education and employment opportunities, and other policies that affect the structural determinants of health.

Society:

In society, SEM is determined by the interaction between individuals and their social

environment. This model emphasizes the importance of individual and societal factors in shaping mental health. At the societal level, poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion can hurt mental health. Prevention strategies at this level include promoting societal norms that protect against violence, discrimination, and inequality.

Alberta Vs. BC Mental Health Services

The Alberta is a provincial legislation that provides the framework for delivering mental

health services. It provides for the involuntary admission of individuals to mental health facilities and the automatic treatment of individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others. Alberta also provides for the cover of one's rights when receiving mental health services. At the individual level, it provides individuals with the right to receive mental health services in a safe and humane environment. Alberta gives people the freedom to be regarded with care and dignity. Alberta also provides individuals with the right to have their confidentiality respected. At the societal level, Alberta provides a framework for delivering mental health services designed to protect individual rights and ensure that mental health facilities are issued securely and effectively.

As mentioned by my fellow coursemate Stephanie; to enhance mental health and addiction treatment, the province of British Columbia established the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions in 2017 and released "A Pathway to Hope" in 2019. The plan outlines how the government will combat drug misuse and mental disorders during the next ten years. This subject includes assisting people throughout their lives. The strategy is underpinned by four pillars: Indigenous health and well-being, seamless and integrated care, equitable access to high-quality, culturally competent care, and wellness promotion and prevention. At the community level, the Province of BC (n.d.) emphasizes helping students build skills and knowledge to support, understand, and improve their well-being. It is a part of the curriculum in BC schools. British Columbia offers a variety of mental health services. A physician referral service for mental health in British Columbia is called BounceBack. The program coaches participants on how to deal with mood disorders, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, and concern (BounceBack, 2019).

Both Alberta and BC have 24/7 mental health support lines which provide information and support on mental health issues.

Ways to Cope with Stress

Learning how to manage your stress is crucial. The following strategies can help to reduce anxiety:

  • Adequate sleep.

  • Avoiding using drugs and alcohol.

  • One can divide up large projects into manageable pieces and develop solid partnerships.

  • Wholesome food.

  • Exercise.

  • Self-care techniques may be beneficial, including breathing exercises, meditation, and others. ("How to deal with stress in college," 2019)

Dr. Darleen Dempster (2022) contends that it is sometimes crucial to establish boundaries, spell out expectations, show adaptability when conditions change, and let up on perfectionism. When necessary, seeking mental health care should not be stigmatized, just as one would not feel guilty about getting therapy for a severe physical condition.

A balanced diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise may all benefit our mental health. On the other hand, poor eating patterns, inactivity, and lack of sleep may make it more challenging to manage stress and daily duties (Girolimon, 2022). Mental health issues may occasionally cause physical symptoms, and there is a cyclical link between the two.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why mental health is essential. There is a strong link between our psychological and physical health. One's mental state can influence their physical health and vice versa. For example, if one is feeling stressed, the body may respond by becoming tense and developing headaches or other physical symptoms. Conversely, if one is physically ill, this can also lead to feelings of mental distress, such as anxiety or depression. Mental health affects our ability to cope with stress. Stress is an inevitable part of human life, but it can become overwhelming. When one struggles with mental health, it can be harder to cope with stress. It could result in a nasty process where the stress leads to more mental distress, which then leads to more stress. Mental health impacts our relationships. One may find it hard to connect with others or maintain healthy relationships if one struggles with mental health. One may withdraw from social activities or become irritable and lash out at others they love. Mental health affects our ability to make choices. It can be hard to make decisions when one struggles with mental health. One may feel paralyzed by indecision or make impulsive choices that one later regrets. One may also have difficulty concentrating or remembering things, making it hard to perform at our best. Mental health is essential for overall well-being and a vital part of our overall well-being. It impacts our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It can be hard to enjoy life and reach our full potential when struggling with mental health.




References



BounceBack. (2019.). Get help on your mental health journey. Canadian Mental Health Association British Columbia. https://bouncebackbc.ca/


Girolimon. (2022, August 24). Why is Mental Health Important? Why Is Mental Health Important? | SNHU. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/why-is-mental-health-important


How to deal with stress in college. (n.d.). Southern New Hampshire University - On-Campus & Online Degrees | SNHU. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/student-stress


Michaels, C., Blake, L., Lynn, A., Greylord, T., & Benning, S. (2022, April 18). Mental health and well-being ecological model. Center for Leadership Education in Maternal & Child Public Health, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. from https://mch.umn.edu/resources/mhecomodel/


Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. (2021, September). Pathway to hope Progress report. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/ministries-organizations/ministries/mental-health-addictions/pathway_to_hope_update_report_final.pdf.



The Matilda Centre. (2022). The social determinants of mental health. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dxx7RE8MAw.


World Health Organization. Promoting mental health: concepts, emerging evidence, practice (Summary Report) Geneva: World Health Organization; 2004. [Google Scholar]

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