Mental health is much more than the absence of mental disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” .
It is an integral and essential component of overall health—there is no health without mental health . Our mental health influences how we think, feel, and act, determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices . It is fundamental to our ability to enjoy life and participate fully in society.
However, mental health isn’t a fixed state. Just like physical health, we all experience challenges to our mental health and wellbeing over time . Our wellbeing fluctuates depending on life circumstances, relationships, work, housing, and our community environment . A person can live well even with a diagnosed mental health condition, while someone without a diagnosis can experience periods of poor mental wellbeing .