What does “mental health” really mean? For instance, a groundbreaking 2015 study in BMJ Open by Laurie A. Manwell and colleagues tackles this question head-on, surveying 50 mental health experts from eight countries. Surprisingly, no single definition won universal approval, yet a rich tapestry of core concepts emerged. Consequently, this research sparks a global dialogue, challenging old frameworks and proposing a fresh, inclusive approach—vital for policy, practice, and understanding mental well-being today.
Why Defining Mental Health Matters: A Global Puzzle
Mental well-being shapes everything—research, treatment, even how we live. However, the study reveals a striking lack of consensus. For example, while 46% favored the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) take—emphasizing emotional and spiritual well-being—30% rejected all options, including the WHO’s “complete well-being” ideal. Instead, experts leaned toward practical ideas like agency and autonomy, pushing beyond vague ideals. Thus, this diversity signals a need for a definition that’s both universal and adaptable, bridging science and human experience.
Core Concepts of Mental Health: What Experts Say
So, what makes mental health tick? Firstly, the study pinpoints agency, autonomy, and control as cornerstones—think of them as the power to shape your life. Additionally, coping with stress, meaningful relationships, and dignity surfaced as key. Meanwhile, experts debated: is mental well-being the absence of illness or a state of flourishing? Some saw it as a continuum; others, a distinct duo. As a result, these insights challenge oversimplified views, urging a nuanced model that fits real-world complexity.
Mental Health’s Bigger Picture: Society and Beyond
Beyond the individual, social and environmental factors loom large. For instance, respondents stressed basics like housing and equity, alongside human rights—think anti-discrimination as a mental health shield. Moreover, they positioned mental well-being between person and society, influenced by culture and context. Consequently, the study proposes a “transdomain model,” blending physical, mental, and social health with legal standards like interdependence. This bold framework aims to unify diverse perspectives into something actionable.
What’s Next for Mental Health? A Call to Innovate
This isn’t just theory—it’s a wake-up call. Because current definitions falter, the study pushes for broader input, from global experts to everyday voices. Imagine tools like telehealth scaling access or EMDR therapy tackling trauma, paired with a definition that works across cultures. Ultimately, it’s about crafting a mental health concept that’s practical, inclusive, and future-ready—balancing science, ethics, and human rights for a healthier world.
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In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Manwell, L. A., Barbic, S. P., Roberts, K., Durisko, Z., Lee, C., Ware, E., & McKenzie, K. (2015). What is mental health? Evidence towards a new definition from a mixed methods multidisciplinary international survey. BMJ Open, 5(6), e007079. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007079