Conceptual framework

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no 'official' definition of mental health. Cultural differences and competing professional theories all affect how 'mental health' is defined. In general, however, most experts agree that mental health and  the absence of mental illness are not the same thing. In other words, the absence of a recognised mental disorder is not necessarily an indicator of mental health.

Mental health is integral to overall health and well-being and should be treated with the same urgency as physical health. 

Positive Mental Health

Positive mental health is relevant to everyone. It is important for policy makers, professionals and lay people to comprehend that good mental health and mental well-being are fundamental for a healthy everyday life.

Positive mental health demands coordinated action by all concerned - governments, local authorities, health and other social and economic sectors, industry, voluntary organisations and the media.

Public Mental Health

More recently the field of public health has begun to make small but significant inroads into thinking about how mental health might be addressed. This may also reflect a growing frustration over a mental health agenda that continues to be dominated by mental illness. Public mental health takes a wider-angle lens to including both mental health and mental illness.

A consensus appears to be emerging within the mental health promotion community that the way forward lies with public mental health. Increasingly those seeking to influence the policy agenda at all levels, are looking to the public health paradigm for allies and strategic opportunities by taking the 'whole population approach'. This, the population-based public health model is characterised by a concern for the health of a population in its entirety and by an awareness of the linkage between health and the physical and psycho- social environment.

Public mental health is a conceptual framework for the development of policies and practices for:

• Promotion of positive mental health,
• Early identification of mental health problems,
• Reduction of the incidence of mental illness and suicide. 

Mental Health Promotion

The goal of mental health promotion is to improve mental health and well-being for all and to improve the quality of life for those experiencing mental illness or distress. Mental health promotion covers a variety of strategies, which can be seen to occur at three levels:

1. Individual - by encouraging the individual's resources; increasing emotional resilience and reducing vulnerability to mental health problems through the development of personal skills and self esteem which lead to an increased capacity to cope with life transitions and stresses.

2.  Communities - by increasing social inclusion and cohesion, raising awareness; reducing stigma and discrimination and developing supportive environments promote mental health in different settings, e.g. schools and the work place.

3.  Government - Policy and decision makers have to understand that national mental health policies should not address mental health disorders only, but also take actions on the broader issues that influence mental health. Mental health promotion should go beyond the health sector and be integrated into policies and practice in sectors including education, labour, justice, transport, environment, housing and welfare.