Mental health and wellbeing

The lens on mental health and wellbeing is increasingly evident both nationally and internationally, spurred on by interest particularly within the field of wellbeing in the workplace.1,2 Prioritising wellbeing in the policy agenda has been supported by extensive research showing that promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace improves the working environment and is beneficial for companies and employees alike.3 More importantly, while wellbeing is individually embedded, it is also framed by a well-functioning society and strong social capital. Since wellbeing has been operationalised in a number of very different academic and policy fields (e.g. medical science, psychology, economics, sociology, social policy, management science, human resource management, organisational behaviour and environmental science), it Is Important to draw upon a range of expertise in developing robust models for public health and clinical service.The positive dimension of mental health is stressed in the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health as contained In Its constitution: 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity'.4 However, the rise in levels of depression and anxiety and the associated loss of mental and emotional wellbeing provide strong evidence of the degree to which modern populations are feeling overwhelmed, particularly where social determinants have a part to play.5 Depression and anxiety are becoming a far more significant cause of disability and chronic ill health than in previous centuries, and It has been predicted by the WHO that depression will soon be one of the leading global causes of disability.6An interesting contribution to this Issue Is considering the promotion of mental health and wellbeing in young people as a crucial element for their psycho-social development. A critical review of the literature reveals a dearth of research that has explored the perspective of the child, adolescent or adult of this concept, with much research being intervention focused and promoted at crisis level.7 Another welcome addition within the topic is the research paper on recognition of the health and social needs of ex-service personnel.8 The most common mental health problems for this population are alcohol related, depression and anxiety disorders. For the minority who leave the military with psychiatric problems, there Is an Increased risk of social exclusion and on-going ill health. The authors conclude that case management is a viable way in which the military, health professionals and support services can support ex-service personnel In transitioning to civilian life. …