Support Equals Mental Health

by Abigail Knowles Wolfe (BPRW)

Mental health is a catch phrase that perhaps too many people misinterpret to mean various things that may or may not be accurate. Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. What's more it involves such complex issues as the ability to enjoy life, bounce back from adversity, balance time spent socially with time spent alone, and flexibility to deal graciously with changing situations and relationships, as well as the ability to express feelings openly amongst other things.

According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) health can be defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease of infirmity. This definition dates all the way back to 1948!

Mental Health Month, observed in May, was founded over 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions, the importance of mental wellness for everyone and the ways that individuals can create vital support systems for themselves to take them happily over life’s obstacles and bumpy roads. Mental Health America (MHA) is focusing on creating connections that support mental health for the 2008 commemoration of Mental Health Month and its affiliated campaign.

Creating connections with friends and family and within one’s community at large can lead to feeling close and supported as well as imparting a sense of belonging and purpose on to the individual. Professional help is also suggested for those who are having an especially stressful time coping with tough life situations. This May let us hope that people across the nation will focus on building the support systems necessary to keep them healthy in all ways, shapes and forms.