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Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It 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 her
or his community.
In most countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries, mental
health services are severely short of resources - both human and
financial. Of the health care resources available, most are currently
spent on the specialized treatment and care of the people with mental
illness, and to a lesser extent on an integrated mental health system.
Instead of providing care in large psychiatric hospitals, countries
should integrate mental health into primary health care, provide mental
health care in general hospitals and develop community-based mental
health services.
Even less funding is available for mental health promotion, an umbrella
term that covers a variety of strategies, all aimed at having a positive
effect on mental health well-being in general. The encouragement of
individual resources and skills, and improvements in the socio-economic
environment are among the strategies used.
Mental health promotion requires multi-sectoral action, involving a
number of government sectors and non-governmental or community-based
organizations. The focus should be on promoting mental health throughout
the lifespan to ensure a healthy start in life for children and to
prevent mental disorders in adulthood and old age.
"
I disagree. There definition is far from comprehensive but I haven't
come up with a suitable alternative yet.
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