Promoting positive Mental Health

Promoting positive mental health is a multidimensional concept that implies the creation of individual, social, and environmental conditions, which enable optimal overall psychological development. Key determinants of mental health and well-being include; personal autonomy; adaptability; ability to cope with stressors; self-confidence; social skills; social responsibility; and tolerance. Research clearly indicates that the risk of mental illness is associated with indicators of poverty and low income which are directly associated with low educational achievement. Mental health is influenced by experiences in everyday life, in families and schools, on streets, and at work. School environments represent one of the key arenas for the social, personal and emotional development of young people and are potentially the most powerful setting for promoting mental health and well-being.