CONCEPT OF
MENTAL
HEALTH AND
ILLNESS

W.H.O.'s definition of Health:
"A state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity."

Mental Hygiene is defined as
“a science dealing with the preservation and
promotion of mental health as well as prevention
and treatment of mental illness or abnormalities..”

Mental Health is defined as
“A state of well-being in which every individual
realizes his or her own potential, 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.”

It can be seen on a continuum with the
mental health at one end & mental illness
on the other end.
Mental health Mental illness

Mental Illness
“An illness with psychological or behavioral
manifestation and/or impairment in functioning, due to
social, psychological, genetic, physical or biological
disturbances.” (American Psychiatric Association).
“Mentally ill person means a person who is in need of
treatment by reason of any mental disorder other than
mental retardation”(Indian Mental Health Act, 1987).

Nature of Mental Health
There is nothing to be called as perfect mental
health.
Mental health is a dynamic concept.
Mental health can’t be achieved without physical
health.
Mental health can’t be achieved without physical
health.
Mental health and efficiency are not the same
thing.
Mental health and sociability are not the same
thing.
Mental health differs from ethical
standards/Morality.

Characteristics of a Mentally Health person
He knows himself such as own strength and weakness.
Has the ability to make adjustments.
Emotionally mature and stable.
Socially adjustable.
Intellectual powers are adequately developed.
Lives in the world of reality.
Courage and tolerance to face failures in his life.
Free from mental illness.
Good health habits.
Self confident and optimist.
Has an adequate sex adjustment.
Healthy interest and aptitudes.
Well balanced life.
Satisfied with profession and occupation.

HOW TO MAINTAIN MENTAL HYGIENE

1. Don't hold grudges. If you find yourself
remembering and visualizing an old wrong someone did
or said, immediately stop, and think of a new pleasant
thought. Forgive and forget.

2 Tell yourself: "That was then and this is
now." Which means "I've gone on to something new
and I don't need to even think about that anymore."

3 Dump the "junk" out of your conscious thoughts. Cleanse your
mind do not be double minded. Say "I forgive that." or "I
will not hold onto that anymore." Try to forgive old wrongs
quickly. Say so!
 Declare it! "I forgive that!" and then go on as if you do forgive it.
 Don't entertain bad thoughts. Clean up your speech and your
thoughts.

4 Accept yourself and your circumstances. Try
to appear to be less flustered by major or minor
events, and soon you will be.

5 Be kind to your enemy! Your revenge interferes with
your peace of mind force or fights will not change
anger to peace of mind!

6 Avoid blaming others but rather take
responsibility for anything that you could
have handled in a better way

7 Avoid being, thinking and talking
negatively.

8 Doubt your hearing and your sight, doubt your
negative interpretations of what you "heard" or
"saw;" ignore subtle actions of others.

9. Assume that no one will think that you're odd if you:
 act calmly
 avoid erratic behavior don't act shocked, shake your head,
whirl about, giggle (for no apparent reason);
 avoid rambling speech--get back on topic;
 do not glare and grimace at people-smile a little;
 do not argue or accuse people of insults, etc. in a public place.

10 Avoid publicly laughing for no apparent reason or
talking to yourself--or muttering and giggling in
public.

11. Realize that your attitude makes a great
impact

12 Find an activity that seems worthwhile to
accomplish and get busy.

13. Help someone that has less than you and
wants some help

Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health
General features.
Bodily signs.
Behavioral Signs.

General features.
Emotionally unstable and easily upset.
Suspicious and insecure.
Self critical.
Lack of self confidence.
Lack of adjustment.
Frustrations and conflicts.
Over anxious and tensed.
Poor self concept.
Lives in the world of imagination.

Bodily Signs
Back pain
Change in appetite.
Chest pain.
Diarrhea
High blood pressure.
Palpitations.
Insomnia.
Sexual problems

Behavioral Signs
Sudden change in mood.
Long lasting sadness.
Temper tantrums.
Excessive fear, worry.
Confused thinking, illogical reasoning.
Paranoid thinking.
Delusions and hallucinations.
Alcoholism and drug abuse.
Difficulty in concentration.

Promotive and Preventive Mental Health
Strategies
Strategies for adjusting with one self.
Strategies for adjusting with one’s environment

Strategies for adjusting with one self.
The Strategy of knowing the self. Aware of own
strength and limitations so that realistic goals may
be achieved.
The Strategy of accepting one’s self: one who
accepts and respects oneself in its very shape and
existence is likely to enjoy good mental health while
the others who blames self cannot lead a healthy
mental health.
The Strategy of balancing the level of aspiration:
too high or low achievement aspirations are not
good. It should be based on own capabilities.

Strategies for adjusting with one self.
The strategy of balancing his development:
concentrate on harmonies development of
personality, in all of its dimensions such as
physical, mental, emotional, social and moral.
Integrating self: one should not make one's self torn
between the opposing and conflicting desires and
ambitions . Avoid unnecessary tensions .
Self driving and Shaping: we should decide our life
and destiny ourselves not under anyone's pressure.
Self Control: believe in self discipline rather than
forced discipline.

Strategies for adjusting with Environment
Understand and Accept Others: Others interests,
attitudes, temperaments etc otherwise we may invite
unnecessary quarrels and tensions.
Socialize self: mingle in society
Satisfy the needs: security, love and affection, freedom,
recognition, etc.
Train the Emotions: Flow of emotional energy into
constructive channels of life.
Adjust to world of Work: work is worship. Do all the
work with a positive attitude.
Positive attitude towards life: love and believe in
yourself.
Bear the stress and strain: stress management
Maintain good physical health: exercise and diet.