My Perspective

VIII

*This chapter will be solely based on research about the
different kinds of mental health from a psychology major
point of view*

Understanding Psychology and Mental Health

Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that studies the
mind and behavior. It covers everything from the
fundamental functions of the brain to the complex
phenomena of personality and social interactions.
Psychology has many sub-fields, including cognitive,
developmental, clinical, and social psychology. These
disciplines study various aspects of human thought and
action. Our attitudes, feelings, and actions all have a
significant impact on our mental health. Psychology can
help us understand how these factors interact in complex
ways. For example, cognitive psychology offers a
framework for recognizing that adverse thought processes
can lead to mental health problems such as depression and
anxiety.

You may ask, what is mental health? Mental health
refers to the psychological cognitive and communal well-
being that influences how we think, feel, and act. It
describes an impression of well-being in which the
individual understands our abilities, can deal with the
normal stresses of life, can work effectively and
profitably, and can contribute to the community in which
we live. It also influences how people cope with stress,
form relationships, and make decisions. Subjective well-
being, perceived self-confidence, autonomy, competence,
cross-generational reliance, and reaching intellectual and
emotional potential are all aspects of mental health.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

The biopsychosocial model integrates biological,
psychological, and social factors to better understand
health and illness.

Mental health is inextricably linked to these dimensions:
Biological: Neuroscience identifies brain changes linked
to mental health disorders.

Psychological: Our emotions, thoughts, and actions all
have a significant impact on our mental health.
Sociological perspectives emphasize the impact of
environment, roles, and interpersonal interactions on
psychological well-being.

Our unique perspectives on life shape how we interpret
our experiences, viewing situations from various
perspectives, including those of others. Relying on seeing
the world through the eyes of others broadens our own
perspectives. Accepting multiple perspectives is an
important approach to recognizing the world. It enables us
to appreciate the variety of thoughts and emotions that
shape our society and personal perceptions. By
considering someone else's perspectives, we may acquire
knowledge that challenges our assumptions and leads to
increased empathy and wisdom. It's like a mosaic of
human experience, with each piece adding to the overall
picture, making it richer and more complete.

Positive Psychology and Mental Health
The discipline of positive psychology defines mental
health as an individual's ability to enjoy life while
maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between ordinary
tasks and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Cultural differences, personal philosophy, and subjective
evaluations. Positive psychology prioritizes well-being
over treating mental illness symptoms. It recognizes well-
being and happiness as basic human abilities. This
approach to mental health improves resilience and
positive thinking by emphasizing emotional stability,
expectation management, and productive thinking, in
addition to traditional interventions.

Positive emotions involve sensations of positive,
enthusiasm, happiness, and delight.

 Engagement: Being completely immersed in
activities that require your skills but also
challenge you.

 Relationships: Establishing, encouraging, and
highlighting connections with others.

 Meaning: Connection to and serving something
larger than oneself.