IMPORTENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF

GOOD MENTAL HEALTH AMONG

LEARNER
INTRODUCTION…..
This journal synthesizes information about the situation of
people with mental disorders the world over and serves as a
forum for discussion and exchange of ideas on mental health
and development. It chronicles new developments and analyses
emerging trends in the field..

We hope that this journal will be useful, informative and

inspiring to all stakeholders in the field of mental health and
development - people with mental disorders and their families,
mental health professionals, policy-makers, decision makers,
students and indeed anyone involved or concerned with or
interested in mental health.
Characteristics of a good
mental health
Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. It includes how you feel about yourself
and how you adjust to life events. However, the National Mental Health Association cites 10
characteristics of people who are mentally healthy.

They do not become overwhelmed by emotions, such as fear, anger, love, jealousy, guilt, or anxiety.
They have lasting and satisfying personal relationships.
They feel comfortable with other people.
They can laugh at themselves and with others.
They have respect for themselves and for others even if there are differences.
They are able to accept life's disappointments.
They can meet life's demands and handle their problems when they arise.
They make their own decisions.
They shape their environment whenever possible and adjust to it when necessary
What Is Mental Health?
It has always been easier to define mental illnesses than to define
mental health. In the United States the American Psychiatric
Association has traditionally been the organization to define mental
disorders (beginning as early as 1917 when it was known as The
Association of Medical Superintendents of American Institutions of
the Insane). More recently many have recognized that mental health
is more than the absence of mental illness. Even though many of us
don't suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder, it is clear that some
of us are mentally healthier than others. Here are a few ideas that
have been put forward as characteristics of mental health:
Importance of mental
health…
Your mental health has a huge impact on every aspect of your life.
o Self-image
Good mental health means appreciating your achievements and accepting your shortcomings. A mental illness
can cause an inferiority complex, a negative body image, and intense feelings of self-hate, anger, disgust, and
uselessness, which could mutate into extreme depression, psycho-social disorders, or eating disorders.
o Education
Students with mental problems socially isolate themselves, and develop anxiety disorders and
concentration problems. Good mental health ensures an all-round educational experience that
enhances social and intellectual skills that lead to self-confidence and better grades.
o Relationships

Mental health largely contributes to the functioning of human relationships. Mental

illness can hamper even basic interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. Most
people suffering from mental illness find it difficult to nurture relationships, have
problems with commitment or intimacy, and frequently encounter sexual health issues .
MENTAL HEALTH POLICY, PLANNING & SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT: Integration for better services

Mental health policy and action plans are important because they
coordinate, through a common vision, all programmers and services
related to mental health. Without this type of organization, mental
disorders are likely to be treated in an inefficient and fragmented manner
MENTAL HEALTH, POVERTY & DEVELOPMENT:
Mental health core to development
By treating and preventing mental disorders we can: reduce
premature mortality; improve outcomes for many debilitating
and chronic 'physical ' health problems; reduce violence and
injuries; and improve social and economic development.