C. Mental Health Concepts Mental health is conceptualized as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. With respect to children, an emphasis is placed on the developmental aspects, for instance, having a positive sense of identity, the ability to manage thoughts and emotions, as well as to build social relationships and learn and acquire an education, ultimately enabling their full active participation in society. Mental Health as a Continuum (Mental Health Continuum Model) The mental health continuum is a range of well-being having mental health and mental illness at the two extreme ends. Depending on the circumstances of any individual at any time, they may find themselves at one point of the continuum and shift position as their situation improves or deteriorates. What is really helpful is the fact that there are four options, which eliminates having to distinguish different feelings that aren’t necessary or comfortable to share out loud. It is easier to just say that today, I’m “reacting” and have this being understood correctly. Another important thing about the Mental Health Continuum is that there is a place for everyone on it, regardless of the state of mental health or mental illness. This reduces any stigma significantly because everyone fits in. As the diagram indicates, there’s a back-and-forth motion that signifies change. This means that anyone who is “healthy” can have times in their life when they are “reacting”, and those who are “injured” have the ability to be “healthy”. Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Mental Health Healthy People who lie at this point are generally satisfied and happy with their lives. They are emotionally well-balanced, stable, and cope with the normal stresses of life and the challenges that every day brings, such as school or work. They are able to contribute to their community. Many people practice good self-care and social support such as healthy sleep patterns and regular exercise. Reacting People who lie at this point may show some distress and inability to cope when faced with a significant event such as a bereavement, but are capable of performing daily life functions. Injured People who lie at this point may show distress and inability to cope over a longer period of time and are not easily alleviated by an individual’s typical coping strategies. This in turn starts to have an impact on performing daily life functions. 24