A brief description of the definition of mental health.
‘Mental health is the emotional and spiritual resilience which enables us to enjoy life and to survive pain, disappointment and sadness. It is a positive sense of wellbeing and an underlying belief in our own worth and the dignity and worth of others.’ (Church of England, Archbishops’ Council, 2004, p. 29)
There are many factors which influence our mental health and well being: social, cultural, economic, political and biological. Mental health affects how we think and feel about ourselves and others, how we interpret events, how we learn, how we cope with life events and how we develop and sustain relationships.
Mental health difficulties are common, with one in four people experiencing some type of mental health problem at some stage in their lives.
Many people suffer with their mental health for many years without it affecting their ability to cope, hold down employment or fulfil their responsibilities because they have found a way to manage their difficulties. Church communities can develop sensitivity to this possibility.