A Checklist for Positive Mental Health

When people hear the words mental health, they often think only of mental illness or lack thereof. Positive mental health encompasses much more than that and is a separate measure altogether. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and can make a contribution to his or her community.”

Positive mental health is, therefore, a state of being in which social, emotional and spiritual factors intersect to create the best possible level of functioning. Further, positive mental health can coexist alongside mental illness; just as optimal physical health is more than just the absence of illness, so is mental health more than the absence of mental illness.

Positive mental health checklist
Here is a checklist of factors contributing to this overall positive state of mental health. Identify their presence in your daily life. 

You experience pleasant emotions. Ask yourself if you are experiencing positive emotions such as delight, satisfaction, happiness and laughter. Negative emotions are a part of everyone’s life, but they should be balanced with positive ones. What ratio of positive to negative feelings do you experience?

You find meaning in what you do. Do you find nourishment and fulfillment in your day-to-day activities? Do you find meaning in your work, loved ones or hobbies? Feeling like what you do with your time is worth it is important to positive mental health.

You can deal with everyday challenges. A part of positive mental health is your ability to deal with life’s daily challenges without becoming overwhelmed and stressed. Stress happens, but someone with positive mental health will experience it without letting it take over or become overwhelming.

You are socially connected and engaged. Positive mental health also has a social aspect: Are you in touch with friends on a regular basis? Do you feel connected to a community and engaged with your peers? Do you trust others and feel trusted by those close to you?

If you didn’t check all of these off, it does not mean you are not experiencing positive mental health. However, if you see room for improvement, use the checklist as a guide to help you make changes. You can also seek support from a counselor. Through the Student Support Program, Franklin offers free, 24/7 counseling support to all students and their spouses or domestic partners.