There was also a definition by the World Health Organization which basically says it is a state of well-being in which a being or person can cope with every day life, work and be productive and contribute to the world. They do not define mental health as a being lacking a mental disorder.
It is also stated that no one can truly define mental health because of the difference in professional theories, cultures, and subjective assessments. Recently Global mental health has emerged. It has been defined as an area of study, research and practice placing a priority in the improvement of mental health for people all over the world.
When you talk to people about mental health, most people only see it as a disorder. We as human beings don’t think about mental health as the well-being of a person, or their ability to cope with every day life. We think in the terms of mental retardation, autism, down’s syndrome, although these are not mental disorders.
Mental Hygiene was the first term dealing with mental health and came about in the 19th century. The first mental health outpatient clinic was opened in the 20th century in the United States by Clifford Beers. Mr. Beers was also the founder of the National Committee for Mental hygiene.
Some very common types of mental disorders, which we don’t think about them being mental disorders is depression and anxiety. One of the more uncommon ones that you hear a lot about and see portrayed on television is schizophrenia. Another mental disorder is bipolar disorder.