Promoting Healthy People and Communities
One of the public values of the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the promotion of healthy people and communities. One aspect of healthy people is promoting mental well-being. As we recognize national mental health day on October 10, we have an opportunity to promote the mental health of our young people. 4-H is a positive youth development program committed to developing healthy youth. As such, 4-H has an opportunity to support the mental well-being of our young people. Toward this effort, below is an overview of mental health concepts and terminology. Numerous hyperlinks and resources for further research are provided below.
Overview of Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services says, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.”
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that Any Mental Illness (AMI) includes a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. Examples of AMI include: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder, and substance abuse.
The NIMH explains that Serious Mental Illness (SMI) includes, “a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.”
Watch Mental Health Video
Prevalence of Any Mental Illness in U. S.
Figure from National Institute of Mental Health.
Mental Disorder and Good Mental Health
Figure from Fusar-Poli (2020) "What is good mental health?"
Core Domains of Good Mental Health
According to Fusar-Poli (2020), the following are core domains of good mental health:
- Mental health literacy
- Attitudes towards mental disorders
- Self-perceptions and values
- Cognitive skills
- Academic/occupational performance
- Emotions
- Behaviors
- Self-management strategies
- Social skills
- Relationships
- Physical health
- Sexual health
- Meaning of life
- Quality of life
Determinants of Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization, multiple social, psychological, and biological factors predict the mental health of people, including:
- Economic stress
- Physical and sexual violence
- Discrimination
What Is Attachment Theory?
Attachment theory focuses on the enduring emotional ties between people, starting in infancy. The goal of an innate attachment behavioral system is to maintain adequate care and protection. When people face threats to their safety and security, they try to increase proximity to an attachment figure to restore a sense of security.
Mental Health Curricula and Resources
- 4-H Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion Group. (2023). 4-H Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion Group: Suggested Curriculum & Programs. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IR4xxriqNk14IpYuIXlV-k3sO0NB1YlbU8P44JB-wQ8/edit
- Bercaw, S., & Johnston, K. (2018). GEM: Get Experience in Mindfulness: An Awareness and Acceptance Stress Management Program for Ages 10 and Up. University of Delaware. https://shop4-h.org/products/gem-get-experience-in-mindfulness
- Dellifield, J., & Raines, A. (2018). Your Thoughts Matter. The Ohio State University. https://shop4-h.org/products/your-thoughts-matter-navigating-mental-health
- Iaccopucci, A., Lewis, K., & Soule, K. (2019). Mindful Me: A 4-H primary mindfulness curriculum. University of California. https://shop4-h.org/products/mindful-me-a-4-h-primary-mindfulness-curriculum
- Iaccopucci, A., Lewis, K., & Soule, K. (2020). Mindful mechanics: A 4-H mindfulness curriculum for adolescents and adults. UCANR. https://shop4-h.org/collections/healthy-living-foods-curriculum/products/copy-of-mindful-mechanics-a-4-h-mindfulness-curriculum-for-adolescents-adults
- Liechty, L., & Berkenes, T. (2023). Mindful Teen: From Surviving to Thriving. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/iowa-4-h-mental-health-and-well-being
- Lobenstein, M. M., Park-Mroch, J., Crowley, L. L., Bean, C., & Voss, M. W. (2022). A review of youth mental health curricula in peer-reviewed studies addressing access, equity, and belonging. The Journal of Extension, 60(2), 1.
- Mental Health First Aid. (2023). Mental Health First Aid for Teens. National Council for Mental Wellbeing. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/teens/
- Norrell-Aitch, K. (2013). Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments. Michigan State University. https://shop.msu.edu/products/Bulletin-HNI101-USB
- Rhodes, A., Garcia, Z., Lewis, K., & Norrell-Aitch, K. (2023). Understanding Stress and Trauma in Youth Webinar Series. UCANR.
Mental Health Crisis Resources
If you are thinking about suicide, or worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline Network is available 24/7 across the United States. Here are additional resources:
- National suicide prevention lifeline
- 1-800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline]
- 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish)
- 1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
- This hotline is available 24 hours a day.
- Crisis text line
- Text “MHFA” to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained crisis counselor, a volunteer who has been trained to help with problem-solving and will address the caller's situation.
References
Fusar-Poli, P., Salazar de Pablo, G., De Micheli, A., Nieman, D. H., Correll, C. U., Kessing, L. V., Pfennig, A., Bechdolf, A., Borgwardt, S., Arango, C., & van Amelsvoort, T. (2020). What is good mental health? A scoping review. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 31, 33-46. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.12.105
Mental Health First Aid USA. (2020). Youth Mental Health First Aid Participant Processing Guide. In. Washington, DC: National Council for Behavioral Health.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Mental Illness. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
Penn State PRO Wellness. (2018). Teen Health: Mental Health Penn State Health Children's Hospital; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i9OktVsTWo
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). What is Mental Health? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
World Health Organization. (2023). Mental health. World Health Organization,. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mental-health
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response