Mental health is not just the mere absence of mental illness; it is an integral part of overall health and wellbeing. Mental health involves the ability to regulate cognition, emotion and behavior to support functioning, adaptation and wellbeing.
Within the MindArbor framework, mental health is understood as a dynamic ability to use and control mental resources to function, produce and achieve, while navigating challenges and adapting to stress. Mental health involves the ability to experience emotions in a stable way, to think effectively and to engage in behaviors that support productivity, meaningful relationships and promote life satisfaction. It also includes the ability to adapt to change and maintain resilience in face of adversities. Thus, mental health is not a fixed state, but a developing body of capacities and mechanisms that interact to shape behaviors and life.
Positive mental health goes beyond feeling well, being happy or maintaining a good mood; it reflects a state of effective and adaptive functioning. Positive mental health is based on the development of core psychological capabilities including self-efficacy, self-regulation, resilience and adaptive coping. These capabilities enable individuals to manage difficulties, develop, function effectively and maintain wellbeing.