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Mental Health and Mental Hygiene

Definition:

Majority of psychologists and social workers have agreed that "complete maturity" terms may be used as mental health. Physical, sexual, and intellectual maturity is achieved generally around the chronological age of 20 years. It is also well known that after this age, much changes are not observed in these areas as far as growth is concerned. But attaining maturity in physical, sexual and intellectual areas only is not the complete maturity. Besides these areas, the inclusion of emotional, social and role understanding are of utmost importance, which together could be considered complete or comprehensive maturity or mental health.

The term mental hygiene is closely related to mental health. We use the term hygiene to refer to keeping oneself and one’s living and working areas neat and clean in order to prevent illness and disease. When we extend this concept to the domain of mind it stands for the art of developing, maintaining, and promoting necessary behavioural, emotional, and social skills to sustain good, effective and efficient mental health. One can achieve this by following some basic strategies at mental and behavioural levels in one’s daily life.

Psychologist, social workers and psychiatrist have defined mental health in different ways. H.B. English, a Psychologist defined as "mental health is a relatively enduring state wherein the person is well adjusted, has a zest for Workers living, and is attaining self-actualization or self-realization; it is a positive state and not mere absence of mental disorder". Karl Merringer, a Psychiatrist says that "let us define mental health as the adjustment of human beings to the world and to each other with a maximum of effectiveness and happiness. Not just efficiency, or just contentment - or the grace of obeying the rules of the game cheerfully, it is all of these together. It is the ability to maintain an ever temper, an alert intelligence, socially considerate behaviour, and a happy disposition. This, I think, is a healthy mind". W.W Boehm, a social worker defined as " Mental Health is a condition and level of social functioning which is socially acceptable and personally satisfying". In general, such defmitions emphasize both the individual and the social setting in which he functions.

However finally we can define mental health as "the optimal development and functioning of the individual consistent with the long-term well being and progress of the group". This definition implies the development of adequate, integrated persons who have sound attitudes and values and high degree of stress tolerance (Coleman- 1964).

Characteristic of a Mentally Healthy Person:

There are three main characteristics of a mentally healthy person: 1) He feels comfortable about himself, that is, he feels reasonably secure and adequate. He neither underestimates nor overestimates his own ability. He accepts his shortcomings. He has self-respect 2) He is aware of his rights towards others. This means that he is interested in others. He develops friendship that is satisfying and lasting. He considers himself a part of a group without being submerged by it. He has the ability to trust others. He takes responsibility for his neighbours and his fellow-men. 3) A mentally healthy person is able to meet the demands of life. He reacts to the problems as they arise. He is able to think for himself and takes his own decisions. He sets reasonable goals for himself. He shoulders his daily responsibilities. He is not bowled over by his own emotions of fear, anger, love or guilt.

Teacher’s role in promoting mental health of students:

Proper encouragement – Parents and teachers should speak daily with the child about his daily activities. So the child can begin to learn the principles of socialization.

Proper appreciation – Parents and teachers should directly praise the child for good things he has done.

Delegating responsibility – Parents and teachers should assign some responsibility to the child. This responsibility should evolve tasks which child perceives as real and important.

Provision of entertainment – Provide entertainment facilities like parks, sports clubs, amusement places, theaters, museum to children. We should encourage the child to engage in play with his peers.

Testing – Refer the child for special education testing in some instances maladjusted children and eligible for special education services.

Pattern of relaxation – The teacher should set a pattern of calmness, yoga, meditation, stress management courses plays very important roles in preventing maladjustment.

Informing progress – Teacher should inform the child of the progress he is making.

Timely help – Teacher should help the child when he needs it and not only when he asks for it. If the teacher is wise enough to know when the child requires help, he may be able to help him avoid many traumatic failure experiences.

Moral Education – School should provide value education through various methods. Self confidence, co-operation, caring and sharing are the values can be inculcated through co-curricular programmes.

Guidance and counseling – If teacher works as guide and counselor for parents and children, many of the negative situations can be turned into positive one which is benefited to students.

Dr. N. ANANDAKUMAR,

E.Mail: drnanandakumar@gmail.com