Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of full physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of illness and infirmity. Different definitions have been utilized over the years for various purposes. Still, there is one universally accepted meaning which should be the norm for all definitions, regardless of the language in use. That definition is: health is the proper functioning of the body with no visible signs of illness, wounds, or disease. In other words, health is the absence of suffering.
What Are The Risk Factors? One way to measure health is to look at how healthy an individual is, both physically and emotionally. Some people are healthier than others, for various reasons. Some have good genes for health, develop good habits such as regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, while others develop poor habits or unhealthy traits due to genetic predisposition or circumstances.
Are You In Poor Health? Poor physical health is not the only indicator of poor mental health. Mental health also encompasses a variety of other issues, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Some common indicators of these illnesses include substance abuse, such as marijuana or tobacco; depression, including bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder; anxiety, such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder; stress, including work-related stress; and insomnia, including problems sleeping. Other common conditions that can impact health include heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and obesity.
What Are The Risk Factors For Health Problems? To better understand the connection between health and mental illness, it’s important to look at how risk factors develop. Any type of physical illness increases the likelihood of developing certain types of mental illness, such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. Some common risk factors for both mental illness and physical illness include genetic tendencies, early life experiences, social environments, environmental factors, and genetics. Early life experiences, such as being exposed to domestic violence or neglect, can affect one’s development and cause depression in adults. Social environments, such as living with high levels of stress or unemployment, can cause negative social consequences, which can be manifested in depression or other mental health problems later in life.
Are There Public Policies That Promotes Wellness And Healthy Lifestyle? Yes! Public policies around the world, from Canada to India, understand that physical and mental health should be taken seriously. Many countries have instituted programs that promote physical education and participation in fitness activities. More recently, public health has become an increasingly important issue in both the personal and public health arena.
Can Spiritual Wellness Cure Illnesses And Illness? Spiritual wellness has been seen as an important influence in the prevention and treatment of many common illnesses. The belief is that when the individual combines spiritual teachings with healthy lifestyle choices, they can live a healthy and productive life. Combining spirituality with traditional Western medicine can produce healthier outcomes.
