Mental Health and Wellness – Combating Mental Disorders
According to the World Health Organization, “health” is “the state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of illness and infirmity.” Various definitions have also been applied over the years. Some experts believed that health is a state of well being, while others think it is comprised of the whole person including his or her soul.
Health is an absence of disease or physical debilitation. It implies that a person is neither sick nor in poor physical condition but has good health throughout. A person who is healthy has sound mind, pleasant appearance, proper emotions, and positive relationships with people. This definition may seem simple but it is very far from being accurate. Many people consider health to be absence of disease or disability, which does not necessarily mean absence of illness. The absence of illness or disease cannot be considered as good health because there can still be some form of physical debilitation, even if the person is well.
A common definition of health in contemporary society is a balance between physical activities and psychological well-being. This definition is associated with theories on motivation, heredity, and the social construction of health that are not scientifically valid. A more scientific approach to the issue is the definition of health that comes from the observation of physical realities in everyday life. In this definition, wellness is not just a state but rather a collection of characteristics or capacities that human beings possess individually or in combination that meet the requirements of their environments.
A well-balanced life entails a well-balanced set of abilities and traits, as well as the development of positive interpersonal relationships. Mental health and physical health are linked, but the former is not independent of the latter. In order for mental health to be attained, one has to have healthy interpersonal relationships and the corresponding development of coping mechanisms and mental attitudes. A healthy body also requires healthy mind. The whole body cannot achieve well-being unless the mind and the spirit are equally healthy.
The goal of a healthy diet is to ensure the body receives all the nutrients it requires through a balanced diet. Healthful diet does not necessarily mean a total avoidance or elimination of all potentially harmful foods but rather a regular and adequate intake of food that contributes to the overall health of the person. A complete absence or reduction of diet is not only hazardous for health but also for the dieter’s social life. People who suffer from the disabling effects of anorexia nervosa usually suffer greatly from the negative consequences of their eating disorder. An essential part of any healthy diet is an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, and other recommended food groups such as dairy products, whole grain breads and cereals, fish, poultry, and red meat.
A well-balanced public health system provides equal opportunities to those with disabilities to attain good health. The main objective of public health is to prevent diseases and maintain good health by eliminating health-threatening conditions and promoting healthy living. All people have the right to eat freely and safely without discrimination on grounds of disability, race, religion, gender, or ethnic group. With these guidelines, a healthy public can expect to live a productive, meaningful, and productive life.