Mental health
Mental health is the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It is more than the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health is the ability to think and learn, and the ability to understand and live with one's emotions and the reactions of others. It is a state of balance within a person and between a person and the environment. Physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and other interrelated factors participate in producing this balance. The inseparable links between mental and physical health have been demonstrated.
WHO has identified mental health as a global priority. In the Western Pacific Region, the Regional Strategy for Mental Health, endorsed by the 52nd Regional Committee Meeting, has set three basic goals:
- to reduce the human, social and economic burden produced by mental and neurological disorders including intellectual disability and substance abuse and dependence;
- to promote mental health; and
- to give appropriate attention to psychosocial aspects of health care and the improvement of quality of life.
Fact sheets
No fact sheets available at this time.
News and press releases
13 October 2011
WHO calls for political commitment to tackle the growing mental health burden
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10 October 2008
WHO: Make mental health a global priority
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03 October 2008
New report calls for mental health to be better integrated into primary care
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22 February 2008
New efforts to tackle growing mental health problems in the Pacific
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04 June 2007
Pacific Island countries get down to mental health work
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[more news]
Relevant publications and documents
Upcoming meetings and events
No meeting/event planned at this time.