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In contemporary society, the subject of mental health and illness has garnered wide support from the general public, researchers, practitioners and policy makers alike. Still, because it is influenced by certain personal and contextual factors, these concepts continue to defy a simple, single universal definition. A major outcome of this is the emergence of a plethora of explanatory models, all purporting to provide in-depth explanations of the nature, etiology and treatment of mental illness.
In this chapter, the concept and condition of mental health and illness is more closely examined, highlighting the major debates and emerging discussions around its definition, nature, causes, diagnosis and treatment. In addition to defining mental health, key topics explored include the varying approaches to mental health, the role of different mental health practitioners and the significance of mental health. The chapter clearly underscores the complexities in conceptualizing and measuring mental health and illness.