What Is Health?

 

The World Health Organization describes health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. What is more, health depends on an individual’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle. We must understand these aspects in order to develop the most advanced medical and health systems.

Physical

Physical health is one dimension of overall well-being and refers to the condition of your physical body. It encompasses everything from the absence of disease to your level of fitness. Physical health is the result of a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle and healthcare. A healthy diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise are important for maintaining good physical health. People with poor physical health are more prone to diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

Historically, physical health was defined as an individual's ability to function and work without the presence of illness or disease. But as medical science has advanced and we have become more aware of the interplay between mind and body, this definition has evolved to include a more holistic view of a person's health. A person's ability to enjoy their highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being, regardless of their race, religion, political belief, economic situation or any other social circumstance. It is also a necessary condition for the realization of human rights, including the right to live. This right includes the right to health, which is defined as the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical, mental and social well-being.

Mental

Mental health is about emotional and psychological well-being, which allows us to cope with life’s stresses, make choices, have rewarding relationships and contribute to our communities. It includes positive emotions, self-esteem, personal growth including openness to new experiences, optimism, hopefulness and spirituality. Research shows that mental health influences the onset, development and effects of physical illnesses. Poor mental health is associated with high-risk behaviors like substance misuse and physical inactivity. It also increases the risk of chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cancer.

OECD governments are increasingly recognising the crucial role of mental health and wellness in their societies, and integrating it into national health policies, strategies and programmes. However, in many countries there is still a significant gap between available resources for mental health and the burden of illness, especially for low- and middle-income nations where only 1% of public expenditure is dedicated to this area. People living with mental ill-health often face a double burden of poverty and discrimination. They are less likely to be employed and, if in employment, are more at risk of experiencing poor performance at work, and have lower educational and health outcomes than those with good mental health. The good news is that most mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, can be treated effectively with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. This means there is much to gain by investing in mental health – and the key is prevention. This can be achieved through a range of strategies: identifying risk factors for mental ill-health, such as early childhood trauma and adverse experiences at school; providing support to prevent suicide; promoting wellbeing in the workplace; supporting people with disabilities; and strengthening community-based care and treatment.

Social

Modern concepts of health recognize that a person’s social well-being is as important as their physical and mental health. The biopsychosocial model, which has become the prevailing perspective, defines health as a state of complete and sustainable well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Social determinants of health (SDH) refer to non-medical factors that shape people’s health, such as the conditions in which they grow, live, work, play, and age. These factors, which influence both risk and protective factors, are broader than health services or personal behaviours, and include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, and community-based organisational structures.

SDH interact to produce inequities in people’s health outcomes, and contribute significantly to the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ across countries. The World Health Organization defines health as a right, stating that "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services" (World Health Organisation 1948).

A person’s social support networks provide a variety of benefits, including attenuating stress, decreasing the likelihood of illness and promoting positive adjustment. This is also referred to as social capital. Research suggests that both the quantity and quality of a person’s ties to others are related to their health, although there is some evidence that only a subset of the population benefits from a healthy social network. In addition, it has been shown that health-related behaviors spread through social networks. This amplification effect is an opportunity for policy makers to target populations with interventions that enhance their health based on their relationships. It is important to note, however, that negative features of a person’s relationships can undermine their health.

Spiritual

Spiritual health is about finding meaning and purpose in life, maintaining balance and a connection with the world beyond oneself. While it is important for individuals to have a religion, it is not necessarily a requirement to be considered spiritually healthy. This can be any practice that helps an individual maintain balance, peace and a connection to something larger than themselves such as nature, art, prayer or meditation.

The definition of spirituality varies greatly from person to person and is often dependent on their beliefs and perceptions. The researchers of the study conducted interviews with a diverse group of participants using conventional content analysis. The interview questions were designed to explore the participants’ views of the components and indicators of spiritual health. Those interviewed believed that a healthy spirit was essential for a good quality of life. They reported that it included a sense of meaning, belonging and purpose, happiness and gratitude. Other important aspects of a healthy spirit were acceptance, morality and compassion. The participants also identified a connection to nature and a belief in God as indications of spiritual health.

These aspects of a spiritually healthy life are a large part of what makes us human, but we cannot ignore the importance of our spirits in order to promote overall health. We must address the underlying issues that lead to spiritual distress, which can then impact our mental and physical health. The healthcare community cannot fully take on these societal problems, but they must seek to partner with community organizations and leaders to monitor and address these issues to improve overall health outcomes. A reformed healthcare system that is committed to becoming more holistic must include a focus on spiritual health.

Emotional

Whether we call it mental health or emotional health, it’s the foundation of a healthy life. Essentially, it’s a consistent state of positive psychological functioning that allows you to cope with and recover from difficult times and situations, thrive through highs and lows, and develop satisfying relationships.

People who have a strong sense of emotional health know how to deal with emotions like anger, fear, sadness, joy, and gratitude. They’re able to express their feelings in a healthy way and are resilient in the face of challenges. They have a supportive network and seek out professional help when needed. Emotional wellness also involves self-acceptance, which is important for a person’s ability to handle the difficulties of life. People who are emotionally healthy can handle stress, problems, and setbacks by maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, good nutrition, and positive social interaction. There are a number of factors that influence your emotional health, including your genetic makeup and life experiences. Other factors include sleep quality, toxic relationships, and work-life balance. Practicing emotional health requires intentional effort, but there are many pathways to well-being. Check out this book list for empirically based content on fueling resilience and emotional health.