Positive mental health need for holistic approach.

Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder, but is a state in which an individual has a sense of well being in which he or she realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and thus can work productively and fruitfully and is able to contribute to their own community. Mental illness is not uncommon with approximately 450 million people affected globally according to WHO estimate.1 However, there is no credible data available on the burden of mental health in Nepal as yet. It is prevalent in all population groups, however those with psychosocial stressor such as poverty and unemployment are particularly at risk. Mental illness is also commonly associated with long term disability and is manifest with decrease in both physical and social functioning. Regarding the morbidity, prevalence studies alone does not portray the holistic picture of the impact of mental illnesses on the society. The effect of the illness on the society is reflected by the burden of care to the family, society, and the community which signifies its importance of treating, rehabilitating, and preventing mental illness. It is a well known fact that positive mental health is linked to a range of developmental outcome and is fundamental in coping with adversity. On the other hand, poor mental health is responsible for reducing persons’ capacity to realize their potential, work productivity and contribute to the community.