561670 editorial2014

RSH0010.1177/1757913914561670EditorialEditorial

Editorial

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.6 An 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. We would like to thank both Professor Woody Caan and Professor Anthony Stewart for their guide and steer for this issue. Clearly, mental health and wellbeing pose a substantial public health problem, presenting a challenge as to how accessible and effective mental health services can realistically be provided.9 Around one in four people will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime10 which will not just touch them but impact their friends, families and work colleagues, and within this issue of Perspectives, we acknowledge the challenge for public health. Professor Heather Hartwell Honorary Editor References   1. Holt M, Powell S. Health and well-being in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). What public health support do SMEs really need? Perspectives in Public Health, 2015; 135(1).   2. Fletcher-Brown R. ‘Mind Your Own Business’ – How can we best support employers to improve the mental health of their employees? Perspectives in Public Health 2015; 135(1).   3. European Network for Workplace Health Promotion. Mental Health at the Workplace. 2010. Available online at: http://www.enwhp.org/enwhp-initiatives/ current-initiative-work-in-tune-with-life/mental-health-at-the-workplace.html (Last accessed 6th November 2014).   4. World Health Organization. Mental health: a state of well-being. 2014. Available online at: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/ (Last accessed 6th November 2014).   5. Larsson P. What can be done about the social determinants of mental health? Perspectives in Public Health 2015; 135(1).   6. Hanlon P, Carlisle S, Hannah M, Reilly D, Lyon A. Making the case for a ‘fifth wave’ in public health. Public Health 2011; 125(1): 30–6.   7. Coverdale GE, Long AF. Emotional wellbeing and mental health: An exploration into health promotion in young people and families. Perspectives in Public Health, 2015; 135(1).   8. Warren J, Garthwaite K, Bambra C. Help for heroes? Evaluating a case management programme for ex-service personnel in the United Kingdom. Perspectives in Public Health, 2015; 135(1).   9. Stewart A. One possible approach to increase access to mental health services. Perspectives in Public Health 2015; 135(1). 10. McManus S, Meltzer H, Brugha T et al. Adult Psychiatric Morbidity in England, 2007, Results of a Household Survey. Health and Social Information Centre, Social Care Statistics. 2009. Available online at: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/pubs/psychiatricmorbidity07 (Last accessed 6th November 2014).

The November CPD paper was ‘The English North-South divide: risk factors for cardiovascular disease accounting for cross-sectional socio-economic position’ Answers 1c, 2a, 3a, 4d.

2  Perspectives in Public Health l January 2015 Vol 135 No 1 Downloaded from rsh.sagepub.com at NEW YORK UNIV LIBRARY on June 17, 2015

Mental health and wellbeing.

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