What is mental health?

Mental health is best defined as the ability to adapt to stress in socially acceptable ways. This encompasses a range of emotional, psychological, and social well-being aspects that influence how individuals think, feel, and behave. Good mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders; it involves a person’s capacity to manage life's challenges, maintain fulfilling relationships, and contribute to the community.

The concept of adapting to stress highlights the importance of coping mechanisms and resilience in navigating daily life and dealing with adversity. By focusing on this ability, we recognize that mental health is dynamic and can vary based on situations and experiences.

This definition contrasts with the notion that mental health is simply the absence of mental disorders. While the absence of disorders is a component of mental well-being, it does not fully encapsulate the overall mental health experience, which includes thriving amidst adversity and maintaining a balanced emotional state.

Additionally, mental health is distinct from intelligence, as intelligence is a specific cognitive ability, while mental health relates to emotional and psychological resilience and functioning. Lastly, being free from physical illness pertains to physical health rather than addressing the complexities of mental well-being. Thus, viewing mental health through the lens of adaptive stress responses provides a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to be mentally healthy.