Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Yet, for g
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-16
Introduction
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Yet, for generations, mental health conditions have been shrouded in silence, shame, and misunderstanding. This powerful social barrier, known as stigma, often prevents people from seeking the help they need and can be as debilitating as the illness itself. Breaking down this stigma is one of the most important public health challenges of our time.
Learning objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:
- Define mental health and mental illness.
- Explain what stigma is and how it affects people with mental health conditions.
- Identify common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
- Understand the importance of talking openly about mental health.
- List practical ways to support a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.
What is Mental Health?
The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." Good mental health isn't just the absence of mental illness. It's a positive sense of feeling good and functioning well. Just like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum. We all have days when we feel down, stressed, or overwhelmed. These are normal parts of life. A mental illness, however, is a diagnosed condition that significantly affects a person's thinking, mood, or behaviour over a period of time. These conditions can range from common disorders like depression and anxiety to more severe illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. …