Mental Health from an International Perspective

Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realises 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 illness is defined as collectively, all diagnosable mental disorders or health conditions that are characterised by alterations in thinking, mood, or behaviour (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. Mental disorders, especially depressive disorders, are related to many chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma and obesity. This title explores mental health.