The guidance says good mental health is defined by coping skills and the ability to manage life’s challenges, emotions and stress.
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The guidance notes that good mental health doesn’t mean being happy all the time, but instead having the coping skills to navigate challenges, manage emotions and maintain positive relationships.
It describes good mental health as something people develop over time rather than a trait someone is born with, shaped by experiences and the environment they grew up in.
According to the guidance, strong mental health can include coping with change, making confident decisions, and having healthy relationships and boundaries.
The list also includes having a sense of purpose, using positive outlook and strong coping strategies, and managing stress in a balanced way without excessive worry.
The guidance further points to self-awareness and self-worth, emotional regulation, and work-life balance, along with self-care activities that recharge a person.
Other signs described include empathy, being able to be present rather than over-worrying about the past or future, gratitude and appreciation, flexibility, and optimism with realism.
To build better mental health, the guidance recommends actions such as managing stress through deep breathing, mindfulness or journaling; making time for activities people enjoy; practising self-compassion; setting healthy boundaries; and asking for help when needed from friends or mental health professionals.
It also says supports for mental well-being can include talking to someone trusted, building healthy routines like regular sleep and balanced meals, and working with a mental health professional to develop coping skills before challenges become overwhelming.
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