Home › Public sites▻Human Resources▻Employee Wellbeing▻Defining Mental Wellbeing

Defining Mental Wellbeing

‌

 

Mental health describes the way we think and feel about ourselves and others, our confidence, and our ability to control things in our life. It goes beyond whether we experience mental health problems, and is not about whether or not we have a diagnosed mental illness.

Mental and emotional wellbeing, just like every other aspect of our wellbeing, requires regular maintenance.  Most people have some idea of how to look after their physical wellbeing, but might be less clear about looking after their mental health.  The truth is that mental and physical wellbeing are closely connected.  Making simple, conscious decisions about your everyday life can influence both your physical and mental wellbeing.

What is mental wellbeing, and how can it be enhanced?

Mental wellbeing is having the capacity to live a full and creative life, and having the flexibility to deal with life's ups and downs.  It's all about resilience.  It involves our thoughts and our feelings.  It requires an awareness of our feelings and emotions, as well as the feelings of others. It also includes the capacity to manage feelings and related behaviours. This awareness helps us to have satisfying relationships and to cope with stress.

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the employer is responsible, as far as  reasonably practicable, for the safety, health and welfare of his or her employees. This duty extends to hazards that can adversely affect the employee physically and psychologically.

In order to commit to maintaining positive mental health in the workplace, the university has provided a number of guidelines and support services on how employees  can maintain good mental health, manage occupational stress and enjoy a positive work life balance.