of flourishing has the potential to capture health more broadly than existing wellness measures for both patients and populations .” Researchers are now measuring flourishing and others are incorporating the results of these findings into the workplace , clinical practice , and public health . However , there is no universal definition to be used to apply these measurements , which is why organizations are using different definitions and measures of mental well-being .
There Is No Health Without Mental Health
At GuideWell and Florida Blue , we believe there is no health without mental health . The importance of mental well-being to overall health is integrated into every facet of our organization , including our primary care provider network , our care programs , our Florida Blue Centers , and within each company that is part of our enterprise . We ’ re able to effectively do this because we have defined mental well-being and these definitions have been our north star . They give us a clear roadmap to follow .
Succinctly and collectively defining and measuring mental well-being encourages a consistent approach in all we do . The definitions also align closely with the survey research efforts related to human flourishing in many countries around the world where the common denominator is working to achieve that positive perspective of well-being and satisfaction with life , work , and relationships . At the same time , we have also emphasized holistic health and well-being and to that end we have developed an overall definition of wellbeing to complement our work on mental well-being .
Defining Well-Being
According to research published in Population Health Metrics , “ Well-being is now accepted as one of four cross-cutting measures in gauging progress for Healthy People 2020 .”
As we shared our definitions of mental wellbeing with other organizations and across the health care industry and received input from other thought leaders , we went beyond the concept of an emotional state , and incorporated physical health and the individual ’ s role in their future into an expanded set of definitions for overall well-being . We hope that by having a shared way to define holistic health and well-being we can further harmonize our efforts and
Nick Dewan , M . D . catalyze partnerships to support our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health .
• For Adults – Well-being is an overall positive and hopeful mental state fueled by a sense of purpose and satisfaction with life , work , relationships , physical health , and functioning , and supported by the capacity to adapt to life stressors along with a feeling of control over one ’ s future . ©
• For Youth – Well-being is an overall positive mental state fueled by a sense of hope , satisfaction with life , relationships , physical health , and functioning , and supported by the capacity to adapt to life stressors along with a feeling of control over one ’ s future . ©
A clear definition is fundamental to moving toward a common aim of achieving a positive and hopeful perspective .
By following a shared “ north star ,” we can navigate together to help people achieve a positive state of well-being .
To learn more about our definitions or our mental health and mental well-being initiatives , reach out to me at : Nick . Dewan @ FloridaBlue . com .
Sources and citations
• Exploring the Reciprocal Relationships between Happiness and Life Satisfaction of Working Adults — Evidence from Abu Dhabi
• Citation : Badri , M . A .; Alkhaili , M .; Aldhaheri , H .; Yang , G .; Albahar , M .; Alrashdi , A . Exploring the Reciprocal Relationships between Happiness and Life Satisfaction of Working Adults — Evidence from Abu Dhabi . Int . J . Environ . Res . Public Health 2022 , 19 , 3575 . https :// doi . org / 10.3390 / ijerph19063575
• Positive mental health and its relationship with resilience
• Citation : PMC Ind Psychiatry J . 2011 Jul-Dec ; 20 ( 2 ): 75 – 76 . doi : 10.4103 / 0972-6748.102469 : 10.4103 / 0972-6748.102469
• Reimagining Health — Flourishing Published Online : April 1 , 2019 . doi : 10.1001 / jama . 2019.3035 JAMA Citation : VanderWeele TJ , McNeely E , Koh HK . Reimagining Health — Flourishing . JAMA . 2019 ; 321 ( 17 ): 1667 – 1668 . doi : 10.1001 / jama . 2019.3035
• Mental , social , and physical well-being in New Hampshire , Oregon , and Washington , 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System : implications for public health research and practice related to Healthy People 2020 foundation health measures on well-being
• Citation : Kobau et al . Population Health Metrics 2013 , 11 : 19 . Mental , social , and physical well-being in New Hampshire , Oregon , and Washington , 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System : implications for public health research and practice related to Healthy People 2020 foundation health measures on well-being . http :// www . pophealthmetrics . com / content / 11 / 1 / 19
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