Psychological health is a complex and often challenging topic to understand. It is important to remember that individuals and organizations have many different factors that can impact their psychological well-being. The term “health” is generally used to describe the overall physical, mental, and social well-being of an individual.
Positive psychological factors involve things like gratitude, optimism, mindfulness, and life satisfaction. Having a positive outlook can be a factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. A positive mental state requires the individual to have a sense of purpose and be able to effectively cope with stress. This can include working productively and contributing to the community.
On the other hand, negative psychological factors are associated with an increased risk of CVD. In these cases, a person’s risk may be affected by factors such as alcohol use, depression, and anxiety. There is increasing evidence that psychological health is related to CVD. However, further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms behind this link.
Studies in this area have been conducted in a variety of settings. Some have used observational data, while others have measured psychological states at baseline. Many studies have adjusted for a broad array of potential confounders. While a variety of methods are used to address residual confounding, the quality of ascertainment tools can limit these types of research.
Psychological health can be negatively affected by sociopolitical issues. An example of a sociopolitical threat would be bullying. Teaching basic psychology to children in early years can help to prevent bullying. As an adult, an individual who has gone through a difficult time in his or her life may struggle with anxiety or depression. People who have been exposed to family trauma may also experience anxiety or depression as adults. These kinds of mental disorders are often treated by psychiatrists. Psychiatrists also support people with mental health disorders by administering medications.
The World Health Organization defines psychological health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and can work productively. Despite its complexity, psychological health is a major component of health and wellness.
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace is an initiative designed to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting workplace well-being. It includes a set of tools and resources for organizations. Using the National Standard, organizations can achieve the highest return on investment.
In addition to improving organizational performance, creating a psychologically healthy workplace can benefit an individual’s wellbeing. For example, a person who is in a positive mood is likely to be more satisfied with their personal relationships and have greater respect for other people’s differences. They are able to learn to control stress and tension in their lives and recognize that underlying causes of stress can be controlled.
Other types of psychological health services can assist individuals in dealing with their emotional challenges. Such services may be available through suicide prevention hotlines, peer educators, group therapy, and substance abuse counselors.