Mental Health: mental well-being

Mental well being refers to the concepts of positive mental health and the ability to cope in the face of adversity. This encompasses various dimensions including: self-esteem, internal locus of control or mastery, optimism, and sense of coherence, to mention the most frequently measured.

Good (or positive) mental health is more than the absence of mental illness and mental health problems. According to the Mental Health Foundation individuals with good mental health:

• develop emotionally, creatively, intellectually and spiritually
• initiate, develop and sustain mutually satisfying personal relationships
• face problems, resolve them and learn from them and are able to cope with adversities (i.e. show resilience)
• have the capacity to contribute to family and other social networks, local community and society.
• have a positive sense of well-being
• have individual resources including self-esteem, optimism, and sense of mastery and coherence
• are confident and assertive
• are aware of others and empathise with them
• use and enjoy solitude
• play and have fun
• laugh, both at themselves and at the world