տեստ

According to WHO (World Health Organization), Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.

 

Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.

Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm. People with mental health conditions are more likely to experience lower levels of mental well-being, but this is not always or necessarily the case.

While there are no universally agreed-upon  principles of mental health care, mental health care typically aligns with principles that promote comprehensive and compassionate support for individuals.

 

Here are ten general principles often emphasized in mental health care: 

 

Holistic Approach principle

Mental health is not limited to the absence of mental disorders. Instead, it is viewed holistically, involving emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of well-being. This approach encourages a balance between emotional regulation, cognitive clarity, and the capacity to form meaningful relationships. The holistic perspective also takes into account physical health, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body, and addressing lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and exercise.

 

Prevention and Early Intervention principle

One of the core principles is the importance of prevention and early intervention. Mental health disorders often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. Identifying early warning signs and risk factors—such as trauma, substance abuse, or familial predisposition—can significantly reduce the severity of a disorder. Effective prevention programs involve schools, communities, and workplaces to promote mental health awareness and resilience-building.

 

Dignity and autonomy principle

The rights, dignity and autonomy of a person living with mental illness or psychological distress is to be promoted and protected and the person is to be supported to exercise those rights.

 

Recovery-Oriented Care

Modern mental health practices emphasize the possibility of recovery. Recovery in mental health does not necessarily mean a cure but refers to the ability to live a meaningful and productive life despite challenges. This principle focuses on hope, empowerment, and the strengths of individuals rather than their limitations. Recovery-oriented care involves patients, their families, and care providers in a collaborative effort, prioritizing the individual's goals and supporting them in achieving personal milestones.

 

Least restrictive principle

Mental health and wellbeing services are to be provided to a person living with mental illness or psychological distress with the least possible restriction of their rights, dignity and autonomy, and with the aim of promoting their recovery and full participation in community life. The views and preferences of the person should be key determinants of the nature of this recovery and participation.

 

Family and carers principle

Families, carers and supporters (including children) of a person receiving mental health and wellbeing services are to be supported in their role in decisions about the person’s assessment, treatment and recovery.

 

Diversity principle

The diverse needs and experiences of a person receiving mental health and wellbeing services are to be actively considered. Mental health and wellbeing services are to be provided in a manner that is safe, sensitive and responsive to the diverse abilities, needs and experiences of the person including any experience of trauma; and considers how those needs and experiences intersect with each other and with the person’s mental health.

 

Gender safety principle

People receiving mental health and wellbeing services may have specific safety needs or concerns based on their gender. Consideration is therefore to be given to these needs and concerns and access is to be provided to services that are safe, are responsive to any current experience of family violence and trauma or any history of family violence and trauma, recognise and respond to the ways gender dynamics may affect service delivery, treatment and recovery, recognize and respond to the ways in which gender intersects with other types of discrimination and disadvantage.

 

Cultural safety principle

Mental health and wellbeing services are to be culturally safe and responsive to people of all racial, ethnic, faith-based and cultural backgrounds. Treatment and care is to be appropriate for, and consistent with, the cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices of a person living with mental illness or psychological distress.

 

Diversity of care principle

A person living with mental illness or psychological distress is to be provided with access to a diverse mix of care and support services. This is to be determined, as much as possible, by the needs and preferences of the person living with mental illness or psychological distress. This includes their accessibility requirements, relationships, living situation, any experience of trauma, level of education, financial circumstances and employment status.