Although there are no universal definitions for psychological health, a common set of positive traits is associated with mental wellbeing. These factors include optimism, gratitude, life satisfaction, and eudaimonic well-being. These concepts may share conceptual similarities, but a growing body of research suggests they differ in important ways. Further, the factors affecting psychological well-being differ in terms of their impact on health outcomes. Here, we review some of the most important aspects of psychological health.
The CSA Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace provides guidance on assessing the psychosocial risks in the workplace. It is adapted from the highly regarded workbook, Guarding Minds at Work, by Dr. Samra, a nationally recognized expert in the field. She has been involved in numerous national initiatives, is the founding member of the CSA Technical Committee, and is the lead researcher of Guarding Minds at Work.
Psychological health is often characterized by positive emotions and effective functioning. In Keyes’s work, he identifies three components of psychological well-being: social well-being, emotional well-being, and psychological well-being. For the purposes of the study, positive emotions and functioning constitute a core component of psychological health. Further, these three factors are related. In other words, if you’re depressed, you’re not psychologically healthy.
The DHS should optimize the management of all its psychological health programs. In addition to developing and implementing new programs, it should conduct psychological needs assessments, develop clear definitions of program types, and monitor the programs continuously. Ideally, these programs should form collaborative networks and involve a comprehensive evaluation process. Additionally, the DHS should implement quality improvement processes and may even contract an external organization to conduct formal evaluations. And finally, the DHS should consider expanding its scope of psychological health research.
In addition to addressing specific issues related to mental health, emotional regulation is an important component of our daily lives. For instance, emotional regulation helps us recognize and express our feelings. Researchers have also suggested that inappropriate emotional regulation is associated with depression. While all of these factors contribute to mental health, it’s important to remember that an inability to recognize and regulate emotions can pose a significant risk for psychological disorders. To ensure that your emotional regulation is as healthy as possible, you should practice mindful awareness and avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
As a result, DHS should ensure all employees have access to psychological health support. It should also consider assigning a licensed mental health care provider to each component agency. Such professionals are trained to deal with the unique stressors faced by employees. It should also develop formal peer-support policies. To support peer-supporters, DHS should ensure effective training and ongoing refresher training. If debriefings are still an integral part of the DHS’s psychological health strategy, it may be time to replace them with mental health first aid.