Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Local Health Leaders Session 2: The Mental Health Problems & Interventions Session Objectives - Understand the determinants of mental health and different types of mental health problems - Identify individuals vulnerable to mental health problems - Discuss model of mental health intervention The Mental Health Problems A common misconception is that mental health is about “not being ill.” However, people may receive a mental health diagnosis yet still enjoy good mental health and well-being. For instance, many people diagnosed with schizophrenia report feeling well, irrespective of their diagnosis. Mental health is a state of whole well-being. It depends on many factors. For example, some people may feel it’s important to be happy with who they are or to have a purpose in life. Others may value their relationships or their engagement with the community. Some people may see physical health as essential and strive to exercise and eat healthy food. Others may want to meet challenges or have control over their lives. Good mental health means being generally able to think, feel, and react in the ways you need and want to live your life. But if you go through a period of poor mental health, you might find that the ways you’re frequently thinking, feeling, or reacting are becoming difficult, or even impossible, to cope with. This can feel just as bad as a physical illness or even worse. The phrase “mental health problems” is synonymous and associated with terms such as poor emotional health, overloaded, burnt out, or overwhelmed. 7