Well-being in the information society

5. What is mental health?

Mental health is not just a part of well-being – it is its foundation, which enables an individual to effectively handle life's challenges, utilise their full potential, be productive, and actively contribute to their community. All these elements stem directly from stable mental health and form the core of overall well-being.

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When we have good mental health, it is more likely that we will:

• feel happier and more satisfied with life,
• have more energy and motivation,
• have better physical health,
• have higher quality relationships with others,
• be more productive in our activities,
• cope more easily with challenges and stress.

It is important to emphasise that well-being and mental health do not imply the absence of unpleasant emotions, but rather access to internal and external resources in order to successfully cope with them.