Psychological Wellness

What is Psychological Wellness?

We all experience stress and anxiety or are overwhelmed by life's challenges. Many of us navigate through periods where our mental and emotional health is put to the test. When seeking understanding, we often turn to search engines to clarify terms like "psychological wellness."

However, definitions of terms like mental health and psychological well-being often pop up. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state where one effectively manages life's challenges utilizes skills, contributes to society, and plays a fundamental role in decision-making, relationships, and societal progress. It is a basic human right for personal, communal, and socio-economic advancement (World Health Organization, 2022).

When discussing psychological wellness, we address the harmony between our mental and emotional health within the broader context of our overall well-being. It's about fostering positive emotions, subjective well-being, and positive affect while recognizing the interconnectedness between our mental and physical health.

Psychological wellness goes beyond the absence of mental illness; it emphasizes the presence of positive attributes and experiences that enhance life satisfaction and functioning.

Emotions play a crucial role in psychological wellness. They encompass feelings of happiness, joy, gratitude, and contentment, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and purpose in life. Subjective well-being (SWB) pertains to individuals' perceptions and assessments of their lives, including various domains and activities within them (Stone et al., 2013).

Meanwhile, positive affect encompasses pleasurable experiences. Still, it differs from positive emotions as it primarily relates to mood states rather than involving the complex interplay of feelings, physiological responses, thoughts, and behaviors associated with positive emotions (Peterson, 2006).

Achieving and maintaining psychological wellness requires a holistic approach that addresses life's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.

What is the six-factor model of psychological well-being?

Psychologists Carol Ryff and Corey Keyes (1995) developed the six-factor model of psychological well-being. This model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and assessing psychological well-being across multiple dimensions. The six factors include:

1. Autonomy: Autonomy involves making independent choices, expressing oneself authentically, and pursuing personal goals and values without undue influence from others.
2. Environmental mastery: This factor relates to how individuals feel competent and effective in managing their environment, including work, home, and community settings. It involves having control, adaptability, and competence in dealing with life's challenges.
3. Personal growth: Personal growth entails continuous self-improvement, learning, and development. It involves seeking new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for self-discovery and self-expansion.
4. Positive relations with others: This factor refers to the quality of one's relationships, including family, friends, and social networks. It encompasses feelings of empathy, trust, and intimacy in interpersonal interactions.
5. Purpose in life: Purpose refers to having a sense of direction and meaning, feeling that one's life is meaningful and worthwhile. It involves having clear goals, a sense of direction, and a feeling of contributing to something greater than oneself.
6. Self-acceptance: This factor consists of having a positive attitude towards oneself, accepting one's strengths and weaknesses, and maintaining a sense of self-worth and self-respect.

What can happen if a person's psychological well-being isn't well-maintained?

When psychological well-being isn't well-maintained, it can have detrimental effects on various aspects of an individual's life.

1. Impaired physical health: Poor mental health can lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis, while schizophrenia increases the risk of heart and respiratory diseases (Brennan, 2021).
2. Strained relationships: Individuals with compromised psychological well-being may struggle to maintain healthy relationships, experiencing difficulties in communication, trust issues, and conflicts, ultimately leading to social isolation and loneliness (Astran, 2021).
3. Decreased quality of life: A decline in psychological well-being can significantly diminish one's overall quality of life, resulting in reduced satisfaction, enjoyment, and fulfillment in daily activities and life experiences, hindering personal growth and fulfillment. Hohls et al. (2021) explored how anxiety and depression affect the quality of life over time, finding that it tends to decline before the disorder onset, worsen during, and improve after remission, guiding treatment strategies.

How can a person attain Psychological Wellness?

Psychological wellness involves a holistic approach encompassing various mental and emotional well-being aspects. All of these lead to human flourishing. 

Psychological interventions

Seeking professional psychological services, such as therapy or counseling, can provide valuable support and guidance in addressing underlying issues and developing effective coping mechanisms. For example, a person experiencing depression may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping skills.

Mindfulness meditation

Practicing mindfulness meditation can help individuals cultivate awareness of their thoughts and emotions, reducing stress and enhancing overall psychological well-being. For instance, a daily mindfulness practice involving focused breathing exercises is helpful for individuals to become more present at the moment and alleviate symptoms of anxiety or rumination.

Building self-esteem

Engaging in activities that promote self-acceptance and self-love, such as setting achievable goals and celebrating accomplishments, can boost self-esteem and confidence. An example of this could be regularly journaling about personal achievements and expressing gratitude for one's strengths and accomplishments, leading to improved self-image and resilience.

Stress management

Learning stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, time management skills, and setting boundaries, can help individuals better cope with life's challenges and reduce anxiety. For instance, practicing progressive muscle relaxation before bedtime can help individuals unwind and improve sleep quality, ultimately reducing stress levels.

Social support

Maintaining strong social connections and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and emotional validation, contributing to psychological wellness. An example could be regularly attending a support group for individuals dealing with similar challenges, where individuals can share experiences, offer encouragement, and receive empathy from others.

Coping strategies

Developing healthy coping strategies, such as problem-solving skills, relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help, can help individuals effectively navigate difficult situations and manage stress. For example, a person facing work-related stress and worry may benefit from learning assertiveness skills to communicate boundaries and manage workload effectively, leading to a better work-life balance and improved psychological well-being.

Behavior modification

Identifying unhealthy behaviors and replacing them with positive ones, such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and engaging in enjoyable activities, can improve mood and overall quality of life. An example could be gradually incorporating daily walks into one's routine to promote physical activity and release endorphins, increasing happiness and satisfaction.

What are the benefits of maintaining a good level of Psychological Wellness?

By prioritizing psychological wellness, individuals can enhance their overall quality of life and resilience in facing life's challenges. Here are some of the benefits:

Enhanced psychological well-being

Individuals with high levels of psychological

well-being experience greater life satisfaction, improved mood, and reduced stress and anxiety levels. This state of well-being encompasses key components such as positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Improved physical health

Evidence suggests that psychological well-being is linked to better physical health outcomes. Those who maintain good psychological well-being tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, reducing risks of chronic diseases and improving overall health.

Stronger relationship

People with higher levels of psychological well-being often have more satisfying and supportive relationships. They tend to communicate more effectively, feel good, express empathy, and resolve conflicts constructively, fostering deeper connections and intimacy with others. These positive relationships further contribute to psychological well-being and buffer against stressors.

Resilience and coping

Maintaining psychological well-being equips individuals with the resilience and coping skills to navigate life's challenges and adversities. They can better adapt to changing circumstances, problem-solve effectively, and maintain control and optimism even in difficult situations. This resilience helps individuals bounce back from setbacks and facilitates personal growth and development over time.

Why use Carepatron as your psychology software?

In psychology, where focused care and awareness are paramount, Carepatron stands out as the ultimate psychology software solution. Here's why:

• Telehealth excellence: With Carepatron's advanced telehealth features, connecting with clients has never been easier. Conduct significant sessions seamlessly from anywhere, fostering a sense of closeness and accessibility.
• Efficient clinical documentation: Carepatron's streamlined clinical documentation tools ensure that every detail is recorded accurately and securely, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your clients.
• Abundant resources: Access a wealth of resources right at your fingertips. From research articles to therapeutic techniques, Carepatron equips you with the knowledge you need to excel in your practice and stay updated on the latest trends.
• Seamless scheduling: Simplify your day with Carepatron's intuitive scheduling system. Effortlessly book appointments, manage your calendar, and send reminders, ensuring smooth communication and optimal time management.
• Engaging patient portal: Foster a sense of involvement and empowerment with Carepatron's patient portal. Clients can access resources, schedule appointments, and communicate with you directly, enhancing their engagement and investment in the therapeutic process.
• Community connection: Join the thriving Carepatron community, where like-minded professionals share insights, support one another, and grow personally and professionally. Benefit from a network of peers who understand the challenges and joys of the psychology field.

Experience the difference today and elevate your practice to new heights with Carepatron.

References

Astran, J. (2021, March 2). Social effects of mental health problems. HealthMed.org. https://healthmed.org/social-effects-of-mental-health-problems/

Brennan, D. (2021, March 29). How does mental health affect physical health. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-does-mental-health-affect-physical-health

Hohls, J. K., König, H.-H., Quirke, E., & Hajek, A. (2021). Anxiety, depression and quality of life—a systematic review of evidence from longitudinal observational studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 12022. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212022

Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford University Press.

Ryff, C. D., & Keyes, C. L. M. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(4), 719–727.

Stone, A. A., Mackie, C., & National Research Council. (2013, December 18). Introduction. Nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK179225/

World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response