Mental Health

Mental health is a broad area which encompasses the four dimensions of hauora/wellbeing: taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha whanau (social), taha tinana (physical) and taha wairua (spiritual). (Durie 1994).

The concept of hauora, as it relates to mental health, represents the need for individuals to be connected socially, emotionally and spiritually in a way which enables them to have a sense of belonging and to feel valued and acknowledged as members of the family/whanau and wider society.

A healthy society has been defined by the Mental Health Foundation as one which acknowledges that mental health is determined by the interactions of individuals with their environment. A healthy society, therefore, has structures and practices that will treat all members humanely and equitably, and works to ensure economic stability.

Mental health promotion aims for positive mental health for as many people in the population as possible. The term positive mental health encompasses concepts such as wellbeing, strength, mana, peace of mind, life satisfaction, quality of life, happiness and spirituality.