Mental health is a person’s emotional well-being and their ability to deal with life’s challenges. It is the foundation of good physical and social health and is an important part of overall well-being. People with healthy mental health are generally happy and enjoy life’s experiences to the fullest. Some discussions of mental wellness focus on happiness and contentment, while others emphasize the ability to cope with problems when they occur. The latter is also referred to as resilience.

Mental disorders are common worldwide and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease and disability. Yet, treatment gaps persist. Stigma, discrimination and exclusion increase the risk of ill health for people living with mental disorders and reduce their chances of accessing services. In addition, untreated mental health conditions increase the likelihood of other diseases and contribute to premature death.

Determinants of mental health are a mix of individual, familial and environmental factors that affect an individual’s ability to develop and maintain healthy functioning. They include genetic, biological, psychosocial and socioeconomic characteristics. Some determinants such as poverty and exposure to violence increase risk while others, such as education, employment and social networks, decrease it.

While many determinants impact mental health, some can be directly addressed through promotion and prevention interventions. These activities can be designed for specific groups or entire populations. They can be implemented by the health sector or other sectors such as education, labour, transport, environment and justice. They should be grounded in human rights, involving people with lived experience and taking a holistic approach.