What does it mean to be healthy? The World Health Organisation defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” From this it is clear that health is not just about physical health but also mental and social.

The World Health Organisation has recently published a report  on the importance of promoting mental health. They stress that it has to be a ‘cumulative effort by individuals, families, communities, commercial organizations and health professionals as well as our governments.  More and more we are starting to realise the necessity of being healthy – in all its aspects.

There has been a lot of stigma attached to the idea of mental wellbeing over the years which has stunted our growth. We think nothing of going to the doctor if you are physically sick. We take vitamin supplements, medicine and get regular check up at our GP to insure that we stay ‘healthy’. This maintenance is vital to insuring that we stay healthy, so why is this level of maintenance not applied to our mental and social health?

Mental health is described by WHO as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”
Mental health requires in depth and comprehensive care in all areas of our lives.
Mental illness results when we do not get the sufficient support and education on how to take care of your selves. Raising awareness of mental health should be a global and local necessity. We have to work together to promote wellbeing in all aspects of our lives.
 

In WHO's recent publication they strongly link mental health with behaviour. “Mental, social and behavioural health problems may interact so as to intensify their effects on behaviour and well-being. Substance abuse, violence …on the one hand and health problems such as heart disease, depression… on the other, are more prevalent and more  difficult to cope with in conditions of high unemployment, low income, limited education, stressful work conditions.....”
We know enough about the links between social experience and mental health to make a compelling case for the need for a comprehensive policy to promote mental health at a home, work, and community levels.  “We can improve mental health through the collective action of society. Improving mental health requires policies and programmes in the government and business sectors including education, labour, justice, transport, environment, housing and welfare… Those who can do something to promote mental health, and who have something to gain , included  individual, families, communities, commercial organisations and health professionals” To read their publication click here.
 

This links strongly with our ethos at mindwell. Our mission is to promote health and wellness at the work level. We want to be a part of the grander scheme to insure we have a healthier and happier future. If you are happier and healthier at work you will not only achieve a more productive, supportive and creative work environment, you will also be playing a part at providing a part of a bigger social support framework. This again is supported in WHO’s ‘Promoting Mental Health’ – “..there is a growing evidence to suggest interplay between mental and physical health and wellbeing and outcomes such as educational achievement, productivity at work, development of positive personal relationships….”

As the title of this Blog suggests, our Health is reliant on everyone. We all have to stand up and take responsibility not only for our own health, but the health of everyone!