Everyone of us come across many situations in our day-to-day life. No matter, what the circumstance is? The way one handles the scenario is more significant. Modern life is full of hassles, arguments, deadlines, frustrations, and demands! Nowadays, stress has become a part of life. Most of us suffer from mental health problems at some point of time, and not always such temporary problems lead to mental illness. Most often when people think of Mental Health, it is a negative cognition. However it is not so! The correct understanding of mental health problems and mental illness have the significance in differentiating these two aspects.

What WHO says about Health & Mental Health ?

According to WHO, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

WHO in 2007 defines Mental health 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.”

What are the Components of Mental Health?

Mental health itself is an elaborate term. The understanding depends on how well you perceive its components. The components of mental health include the following.

1) Understanding about self:
In simple words, an individual who understands himself is referred to as mentally healthy. He will feel comfortable with his surroundings, will adjust with his daily tasks and routines well, and will be able to cope up with his daily demands in a more productive way. He feels himself secured and accepts his limitations.

2) Interaction with society:
Since man is essentially a social animal, he will some or the other way gets involved in the activities that surround him. A mentally healthy individual will enjoy the welfare of others. He seldom has persecutory feelings towards them. He enjoys being in a group and shows willingness to take responsibilities.

3) A Meaningful life:
Being productive and purposeful is the ultimate goal of one's life. A mentally healthy individual will have a strong determination in his life, he will set goals to achieve his targets, will be able to take wise decisions. He is not bowled over by his emotions, stress and frustrations.

Determinants of mental health:

Is it  possible to determine mental health? Yes! The mental health is determined by various factors. These include social, psychological, and biological factors. For example,  socio-economic pressures are a major threat to mental health for individuals and communities.
Poor mental health is also associated with social and environmental factors like, social exploitation, societal negligence, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, unhealthy lifestyle, and violation of human rights.
Some biological factors including genetic factors and imbalances in levels of neuro-regulators predisposes to mental illness.
There are also specific psychological factors and personality traits that place people at a greater risk for mental disorders.

How can we call an individual as 'mentally healthy'?

There are different characteristics for mental health. Few among them are as follows.

1) He will be having an socially accepted behavior.
2) He will be aware of himself
3) He will have goals and targets in life.
4) He will be ready to make adjustments.
5) He will be able to express love and concern for others.
6) He will be having a sense of responsibility.
7) He will have the willingness to adapt to the demanding situation.
8) He can cope-up with stress productively.
9) He will have a clear philosophy about life.
10) He will be emotionally mature enough.
11) He lives in a world of reality rather than fantasy.

Ways to promote Mental health :

Living conditions and environment that support mental health and allow people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles is vital in maintaining a stable mental health. A societal environment of mutual respect, love, affection and care is fundamental for mental health promotion. This environment will help the individual to cope up with the demands, stress as well as frustrations. Without having freedom and the feel of being secured, it is very difficult for an individual to maintain a high level of mental health. Maintaining a healthy relationship, effective family functioning, ventilating the emotions and feelings with the near and dears are also worthy in sustained mental equilibrium. Improved standard of living, poverty eradication, societal uplift will help to prevent mental illness among under served and least privileged communities.