Increasing evidence suggests that psychological health is associated with a number of biological processes. This association is most likely mediated by behavioral factors. However, causal associations can be challenged because of confounding. There is still much more research that needs to be done to understand these processes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes community-based mental health care and emphasizes human rights and a multi-sectoral approach. Its comprehensive mental health action plan seeks to strengthen research and information systems. The WHO provides evidence, tools, and technical support.
It is important to understand the interplay between the mind, heart, and body. When people feel good, their health is better, but when they feel poor, they are more likely to develop health problems. People who are not mentally healthy may use alcohol or cigarettes to numb the pain of a stressful situation. When a person drinks alcohol, he or she may increase their risk for heart disease and cancer. Psychological health also involves feelings of gratitude, satisfaction in relationships, and mindfulness. Positive psychological health is linked with a decreased risk for CVD.
The WHO’s comprehensive mental health action plan includes both promotion and prevention strategies. It aims to improve research, strengthen the evidence base, and develop information systems. The WHO also provides tools and technical support to implement these strategies.
Psychological health is a complex field. There is no universal definition of positive psychological health, but it includes several factors. Positive psychological factors include happiness, life satisfaction, positive emotional ties, gratitude, and eudaimonic well-being. Other factors include mindfulness, optimism, and positive affect. People who have high emotional intelligence are able to control tension, recognize underlying causes of stress, and respect and value personal differences. They also have high levels of compassion, acceptance of others’ needs, and ability to work through stressful situations.
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace provides a framework for organizations. It is a voluntary guideline that aims to maximize the return on investment in psychological health. The guideline includes a set of tools, resources, and best practices.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal department that oversees a national strategy to protect the country. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Department created a number of programs to prevent psychological health problems. The programs promote resilience and promote psychological health by implementing quality improvement processes, developing collaborative networks with programs, and conducting psychological needs assessments. These programs are designed to prevent and minimize psychological health problems in a variety of settings.
It is important to understand the complex interplay of structural and environmental factors that determine mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides evidence and technical support to help organizations implement their psychological health strategies. It also focuses on empowering people with lived experience, and on community-based mental health care.
The Department of Homeland Security should evaluate its current psychological health programs. It should develop clear definitions of program types, conduct psychological needs assessments, and optimize program management. It should also establish collaborative networks with programs, encourage consistent data collection across programs, and implement quality improvement processes. The Department may also consider partnering with an outside organization to conduct formal evaluations of its programs.