Definition of mental health. A commonly used definition of mental health is “… a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (WHO, 2012). This definition makes it clear that mental or psychological well-being is influenced not only by individual characteristics or attributes, but also by socio-economic circumstances in which persons find themselves and the broader environment in which they live (WHO, 2012). Mental health is essential to a person’s well-being, health, family, and interpersonal relationships, and the ability to live a full and productive life (ODPHP, 2016). People, including children and adolescents, with untreated mental health disorders are at high risk for many unhealthy and unsafe behaviors, including alcohol or drug abuse, violent or self-destructive behavior, and suicide, the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S. for all age groups and the second leading cause of death among people ages 25 to 34 (ODPHP, 2016). Mental health disorders also have a serious impact on physical health and are associated with the prevalence, progression, and outcome of some of today’s most pressing chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Mental health disorders can have harmful and long lasting psychosocial and economic effects on people living with the disorder, families, schools, workplaces, and communities (ODPHP, 2016).
