Mental health is a concept that refers to a human individual's emotional and psychological well-being. Merriam-Webster defines mental health as "A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no one "official" definition of mental health. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how "mental health" is defined. In general, most experts agree that "mental health" and "mental illness" are not opposites. In other words, the absence of a recognized mental disorder is not necessarily an indicator of mental health.
One way to think about mental health is by looking at how effectively and successfully a person functions. Feeling capable and competent; being able to handle normal levels of stress, maintain satisfying relationships, and lead an independent life; and being able to "bounce back," or recover from difficult situations, are all signs of mental health.
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Policy and Advocacy :: Mental Health
Forensics and Law

Law Update - Information on psychiatry and the law, from forensic psychiatric consultant William H. Reid, M.D., M.P.H.
Meta Description: [ Forensic Psychiatry & Expert Witness Information/Services for Legal & Mental Health Professionals ]
Management of Violence Risk - Educational site on violence risk assessment and management, and related forensic mental health and correctional issues.
Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy - Teaching and research center at the University of Virginia which also conducts forensic evaluations, makes policy recommendations to government bodies, and holds conferences for mental health and justice professionals.
Meta Description: [ Innovative Practices in Mental Health, Criminal Justice, & Substance Abuse Services ]
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Law about...Mental Health - An overview of mental health law, from Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute.
MacArthur Research Network on Mental Health and the Law - Striving to build the empirical foundation for the next generation of mental health laws, to assure the rights and the safety of individuals and of society.
Psychiatry and the Law - Forensic psychiatry resource page.
Risk Management - Newsletter for mental health practitioners.
Meta Description: [ Risk management for mental health practitioners ]
SuicideMalpractice - Information about the history of and defenses to suicide malpractice litigation against mental health care providers.
| Mental Health Becomes Public Concern in Late 1940s - Part 1 | |
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