community mental health promotion: a brief review

the concept of health promotion, first appeared in 1975, introduced a new perspective for health activities. as a consequences, the world health organization (who) suggested that attention to health promotion needs should take precedence over treatment and prevention. this concept gradually developed into mental health field and now community mental health is the core policy and orientation of many practitioners and programme developers. although some of the practitioners believe that the focus of health promotion programme are on normal people rather than the sick or high risk individuals, today it is believed that mental health and well-being of people with mental disorders and disabilities can be promoted through these programmes.