Good mental health is important to everyone. It is as important as physical and spiritual health and research continues to show how closely mental, physical, and spiritual health are connected. Good mental health allows us to enjoy life, experience enhanced physical health, cope effectively with life’s challenges, and provide a feeling of wellbeing, inner strength, and resilience. Good mental health is also important for family and friends (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health [USDHHS, OWH], 2017).
Continued intellectual, social, and physical activity throughout the life cycle are important for the maintenance of good mental health. Mental health is sometimes thought of as simply the absence of mental illness, but it is actually much more. As defined by the Mental Health/Aging Advocacy Project (2006), "mental health is a state of successful mental functioning, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Mental health is indispensable to personal well-being, family and interpersonal relationships, and one's contribution to society.”
According to the Administration on Aging (2017), mental health reflects psychological well-being and an individual’s ability to function in daily life regardless of his or her physical health or physical disability. The promotion of mental health is therefore a priority for all stages of life and is important for all members of a society.