Positive mental health and wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a relatively new concept in public health. It is more than the absence of mental illness, and it seems likely that it is also more than the opposite end of a single continuum from mental illness or disorder as defined by psychiatric diagnosis.
Discussion has ranged, in recent years, over the extent to which mental wellbeing is represented by psychological attributes such as confidence, agency, optimism, good relationships with others - collectively called psychological wellbeing - and by affective or emotional states such as happiness and life satisfaction.
Most now agree that mental wellbeing involves both attributes and states. Other components of wellbeing - physical and social - are very much interconnected with mental wellbeing, so the benefits of mental wellbeing extend beyond their influence on mental illness and its determinants.
Mental wellbeing provides many positive health and social benefits including enhancing resilience and protecting against disease.
As healthy lifestyles and social equality are underpinned by positive psychological functioning, the promotion of mental wellbeing can address both these public health agendas. Wellbeing, including mental wellbeing, is a valuable social goal in its own right and it has become an explicitly declared goal for government in many countries of the developed world.
Because it is a relatively new concept, the evidence-base with regard to determinants, risk factors and solutions lags behind that related to mental illness. In arguing the case for public mental health, statistics relating to mental illness are important.
Mental illness or disorder is very common. It is a prominent cause of disability and represents a huge cost to the health service and economy: find out more about the economic case.
When thinking about mental health and wellbeing, its important to move beyond diagnosable mental ill health and clinical solutions. We all have mental health and we can all work to strengthen our own and support that of others.
Mental health stigma
Despite increased awareness of mental health across Scotland, stigma and discrimination continue to be a big barrier for many.
Research carried out across Scotland found that 71% of people with a mental health condition have experienced stigma and discrimination.
If one in three people in Scotland experience mental health problems, and around two thirds of those face stigma and discrimination, that’s over a million people in this country who are being treated unfairly when they’re struggling.
The impact of stigma and discrimination
Stigma and discrimination can make people who are unwell feel worse. It can stop them asking for help and ultimately could be the difference between life and death.
The Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Study found that mental illness in particular continues to be unfairly stigmatised in Scotland, with people reporting that they feel the public incorrectly view them as dangerous, unpredictable, and to blame for their problems. This public stigma can fuel feelings of self-stigma, as well as contributing to structural stigma and stigma by association.