This month, alongside letting you know that we’ve been continuing to support more young people into exercise and seeing incredible things happen, I wanted to share a valuable concept that captures the dynamic nature of mental health.
The four quadrants of the mental health continuum represent different times and situations in a person’s life.
On the right side of the diagram, two scenarios are described. A person without a diagnosable illness can experience either positive or negative mental well-being. Life events typically influence a person’s mental health*. For instance, experiencing a death may place a person at the lower end of the continuum, indicating poor mental well-being. Conversely, if things are going well and the person is taking care of their emotional, mental, and physical health, they may find themselves higher up on the continuum.
On the left side of the diagram, a person with a diagnosed illness can also experience either positive or negative mental well-being. With the right treatment and proper support, a person can live a happy and fulfilling life, regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms. Conversely, without appropriate treatment and support, they may experience negative mental health.
Understanding that mental health can change over time helps us take better care of our own well-being. It also enables us to be more compassionate and supportive toward others when they are experiencing poor mental health.
*Factors that typically influence a young person’s mental health, include family relationships, peers, school environment, social media, and cultural background along with many more.
What do we do?
When working with young people, we assess their mental wellbeing using the Warwick – Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. This tool evaluates their current well-being, helping individuals to recognize their progress. It covers key aspects of psychological functioning : optimism, autonomy, agency, curiosity, clarity of thought and positive relationships; and positive affect (feelings): confidence, feeling relaxed, cheerful, having the energy to spare. It can offer greater credibility for mental wellbeing and help drive positive action and change.
What can you do?
Using the continuum model as a reference point then could provide a great weekly reflection to staying aware of your own mental health.
Regardless of where you are on the continuum, if you are or know of someone who is experiencing poor mental health click here for our support.
I hope this was as helpful! Let’s see what August brings.
Lucy, Referrals and Activities Coordinator.
