Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Week 2010
Feeling good and Functioning well
Higher flourishing is associated with better productivity, social relationships, community contribution, overall health and life expectancy and consequently significant economic benefits.
Flourishing also reduces the risk of developing a mental disorder and increases the likelihood of recovery.
Recent epidemiological data from UK and the US shows around only 20% of the population is flourishing in those countries. (Huppert et al., 2009, Keyes 2007). The implication is that a high proportion of the population has suboptimal mental health leading to an increase in physical and mental illness and negative social and economic outcomes.
Definition of flourishing
A person can be flourishing if they perceive their life is going well. (Huppert & Timothy 2009, 1)
Flourishing is a combination of feeling good and functioning effectively. (Huppert & Timothy 2009, 1)
Positive mental health or mental wellbeing, describes a condition in which individuals are fulfilling their potential and enjoying their life (Huppert 2005 WOS, 333)
It is based on self-report and is therefore a subjective measure of wellbeing. (Huppert & Timothy 2009, 1).
Sustainable well-being does not require individuals to feel good all the time; the experience of painful emotions (eg; disappointment, failure, grief) is a normal part of life, and being able to manage these negative or painful emotions is essential for long-term well-being. (Huppert 2009, 137)
The concept of functioning effectively (in a psychological sense) involves the development of one’s potential, having some control over one’s life, having a sense of purpose (e.g. workings towards valued goals), and experiencing positive relationships (Huppert 2009, 138)
Flourishing individuals have enthusiasm for life and are actively and productively engaged with others and in social institutions (Keyes 2002a, 262)
Key Messages
Promoting positive mental health will lead to better health and social outcomes. There are proven strategies for promoting emotional and mental well-being while living with a long term physical illness.
Every Body has the Right to Participate and Flourish in their community
*Reducing stigma
The stigma of having a chronic illness affects the person's self-concept, capacity to adapt to the illness and the quality of his/her social networks. Communities can best help people with chronic illness by promoting their self-help groups and providing inclusive community-based activities.
Every Body can Contribute towards a Flourishing community
*Creating stronger support systems
Living with long term illness will improve when both physical and mental health care needs are addressed. Developing relationships with family, colleagues, friends and community will give support. And people who have solid family and social support have a better chance for a faster and more complete recovery.
Every Body has the Potential to Feel Good and Function Well
*Building resilience
People living with a chronic health problem and who practice good self-management techniques will generally do better. High levels of wellbeing protect against risk factors for premature death and physical limitations of daily living.
The design elements to accompany the 2010 theme will be available on our website (http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/656-mental-health-awareness-week-2010) on 1 September as will the resource order form. Orders can be placed over a two-week period, closing 15 September. Orders will then be processed and all will be dispatched on 20 September.
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