Ways of defining mental health

Question 1

Why is there different ways of defining mental health ?

Answer 1

Not a straightforward concept
mental health is seen as subjective and personal experience that cannot be viewed and judged objectively outside of the person

Question 2

Jahoda’s definition of mental health - An individual needs all these to be mentally healthy

Answer 2

• Autonomy
• integration
• mastery of the environment
• self actualisation and personal growth
• accurate perception of reality
• Having high self esteem

Question 3

Why is Jahoda’s definition of mental health critiqued ?

Answer 3

Hard to achieve all of them. Definition is quite pessimistic. People like to think MH is more achievable than this.
- Does not apply to all ages

Question 4

What is the mental health continuum ?

Answer 4

degrees of mental health

Healthy - normal mood, normal sleep pattern, usual self confidence, comfortable with other

Reacting - sign of MH problems, people at this stage should be good enough to cope taking care of themselves and using social support networks
- Irritable impatient, troubled sleep, lowered energy, difficulty relaxing

injured - need to seek out professional help
- angry, anxious, worthlessness, decreased performance in academic or work

ill - can be directed to seek out professional help
- panic attacks, high levels of anxiety , suicidal thoughts, constant fatigue