The Daily Bulletin Archive

Definitions of mental health are changing. Good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. Generally, mental health refers to our thoughts, feelings, and actions particularly when faced with life's challenges and stressors. Mental health is the foundation of our thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience, and self-esteem.

It includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties, and even your health.

These realizations are prompting a new kind of focus on mental health that identifies components of mental wellness and explores ways to encourage them.

There are many ways to take care of your “mental fitness,” such as exercise, eating well, sleeping adequately, spending time with friends, managing your time, budgeting your money, laughing, self-help books, support groups, relaxation, meditation, counseling, and even medication.

Check out Buffalo State's Mental Health Awareness Week 2011 schedule and join the conversation.