Promotion of mental well-being: pursuit of happiness

Abstract

Promotion of mental well-being is distinct from programmes on treatment of mental illness. Whereas programme to address mental illness will benefit only those affected, every person in the community benefits from effective programmes on promotion of mental well-being. The concept of well-being, including mental well-being, needs to be operationalized widely as a public health strategy. A stepwise process for development of programmes on promotion of mental well-being has been initiated by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Unit of WHO's Regional Office for South-East Asia. This document is an outcome of this process. This publication summarizes the different concepts and activities that have been implemented, along with the actions taken by the United Nations, WHO and countries of the Region. Technical aspects of specific interventions to promote mental well-being, including the settings, approaches and evaluation mechanisms, are discussed with specific relevance to the WHO South-East Asia Region.