Mental Health
Where a person’s overall health and well-being are concerned, in addition to the physical fitness aspects, another key ingredient is mental health. The term has been defined as a level of the emotional well-being or the absence of any type of mental disorders. As a side note, the World Health Organization has stated that no single definition of mental health exists. Instead, definitions have arisen based on:
- competitive theories of various professionals
- significant differences in cultures
- various assessments made from a subjective standpoint
During the 20th century, the mental health community has given rise to the concept of Holism (from the Greek word ὅλος or holos) meaning all, entire, or total. Holism basically states that all components of any given system --- be they biological, chemical, economic, linguistic, mental, or social --- can neither be determined not explained by the component parts individually. Conversely, the system as a whole has the power to determine how the parts function.
Muslim physicians in the period from the 8th to the 15th centuries were known to have been treating various mental disorders, however mental hygiene was not defined until William Sweetzer did so in the mid-19th century. However, Isaac Ray, one of the original 13 founders of the American Psychiatric Association and its president from 1855-59, rewrote the definition of mental hygiene. He declared it to be the art of preserving one’s mind against any incidences or influences which could possibly alter or even destroy its development, energy, or quality.
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