Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Essay Sample)

Mental Health and Prevention of Mental Illness
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Mental Health and Prevention of Mental Illness
Mental health has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of well-being in which a person has the capacity to appreciate his/her capabilities, handle the pressures of life, as well as, positively contribute to the progress of the community (World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). On the other hand, Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) delineates mental illness as a disorder that causes mood, thought or behavior dysregulation, as contained in the American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013). Some of the most recognized mental disorders include depression, Alzheimer’sdisease, Bipolar disorders, Anxiety, and Psychotic disorders.
The prevention of mental illness is quite critical to the realization of individual health. Moreover, it has been established that mental disorders are linked to the occurrence and even the successful treatment of more serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and asthma, among others. To prevent mental illness, one has to endeavor to maintain mental health, which is only possible if there is a complete understanding of mental health indicators. According to the CDC, mental health indicators fall in three domains, namely, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing (CDC, 2013).
Although there is a genetic predisposition to mental illness, paying attention to the mental health indicators, as well as, being privy to the social determinants of health can be a milestone in combating mental illness (CDC, 2013). Maintaining physical health through healthy diets, exercise, and adequate sleep can also help maintain good mental health since the two are interdependent (Chui, 2012). Social health determinants such as safe environments, affordable education, and good wages foster social well-being hence good me...