1. Basic principles of promoting mental health
There are certain principles that need to be followed to maintain and promote mental health.
(1) the principle of equal emphasis on genetic, educational and cognitive factors
Human growth and development, especially the cellular structure and work intensity of the brain, are determined by genes, but the functional characteristics of the brain and the cognitive strategies and abilities based on brain function are formed in a certain living environment (education) and in the process of interaction with the environment (education). In turn, human cognitive characteristics constrain emotions and behaviors. For this reason, people can only act according to the principle of equal emphasis on the three factors in order to obtain a healthy psychology.
(2) The principle of coordination between people and the environment
The development process of mental health is essentially the process of whether people and the natural and social environment can achieve dynamic coordination and balance. In particular, the coordination between interpersonal relationships. Since there are conditions and situations that break this balance everywhere in daily life, learning to cope and coordinate interpersonal relationships is of great importance to mental health.
The adaptation and coordination of the environment is not only a simple response, but also an active transformation in a positive sense, making it more conducive to mental health.
(3) The principle of unity of mind and body
Since mental health and physiological closely related, a healthy mind in a healthy body, therefore, through active physical exercise, health care and the construction of a good lifestyle to enhance physical and physiological functions, which will help promote mental health.
(4) The principle of integration of the individual and the group
Individuals living in a group are constantly influenced by the group, therefore, the maintenance of individual mental health also depends on the level of mental health of the group. This requires the creation of a good group mental health atmosphere to promote the mental health of individuals. Similarly, individual mental health also has an impact on how
(5) The principle of balanced knowledge, emotion and action
The development of mental health depends not only on the corresponding knowledge, but also on the action of putting the theory into practice. Here the theory is the guide, and the practice is the destination, away from the theory, the action lacks direction and method; but without action, the best theory is also paper talk, which is not helpful; on the other hand, the practice of life will identify the correctness of cognition and behavior, understanding and summarizing the experience and lessons, and is the key to the balance between knowledge and action. In addition, in the process of knowing and doing, there are inevitably emotions and feelings, which are both the driving force of knowing and doing, but if not properly regulated, they are also the resistance and even destructive force. For this reason, balancing the above knowledge, emotion and action is an important principle to maintain mental health.
2、The three basic ways to promote mental health
The American Encyclopedia of Human Behavior states that “activities to promote human mental health should include physical, psychological and social aspects. The physiological aspect refers to various health care services for the protection and prevention of damage to the human brain and nervous system at all stages from conception to old age. The psychological aspect refers to the satisfaction of psychological needs and the minimization of emotional disturbances at all stages of development from early childhood to old age. The social aspect refers to the strengthening of the social environment, the social system and the functions of social organizations.
According to the above, there are three main ways to maintain and improve mental health.
(1) The main ways of physical aspects
- The implementation of eugenic policies to avoid congenital harmful physiological effects and to ensure a good birth process.
- The assurance of nutrition during childhood to eliminate physical and psychological stress and pressure.
- Provide immunization and other medical measures to prevent infectious diseases.
- Strengthen physical exercise to enhance physical fitness.
- Reasonable rest and recreation to eliminate fatigue and regulate emotions.
(2) Psychological approach
- Giving sufficient maternal love and care during the infant’s early childhood, providing a friendly, warm and encouraging parenting atmosphere.
- To conduct the necessary social behavior training, the development of children’s spirit of exploration and the ability to move.
- Provide scientific family, school and social education and training.
- Provide adequate psychological support and help for psychological stress.
- Cultivate optimistic, positive, humorous and loving emotions, good at controlling and regulating bad emotions.
- Develop interpersonal skills and improve the ability to adapt to various transitions in life.
- Establish a healthy and positive philosophy of life.
3、Social Approaches
The social aspects of maintaining and promoting mental health are much more difficult to control than the first two for individuals and families. This is because the social aspect must depend on the social organization and its system. Social aspects of mental health include measures to reduce social stress and provide a healthy living environment for each citizen, such as adequate recreational facilities; housing rehabilitation; control of alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependence; prevention of sexually transmitted diseases; and the establishment of community organization programs, health care institutions, and community mental health networks.
Recommended reading:
Mental Health: How to determine if you are mentally healthy 1
Mental Health: How to determine if you are mentally healthy 2
