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.