Mental wellbeing refers to a state in which a person can cope with everyday stresses, work productively, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their community. The World Health Organization defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (WHO, 2022).
Mental wellbeing is therefore not just the absence of depression, anxiety, or other mental illness. It reflects how we think, regulate emotions, make decisions, solve problems, and relate to others.
A person with good mental wellbeing may still experience stress, grief, or disappointment. The difference lies in resilience, coping ability, and the capacity to continue functioning during difficult periods.
Mental wellbeing has three main dimensions that work together.
1. Emotional Wellbeing
The ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions such as stress, anger, fear, or sadness. Emotional regulation reduces vulnerability to common mental disorders (WHO, 2022).
2. Psychological Wellbeing
This includes a sense of purpose, autonomy, competence, personal growth, and resilience. Research in positive psychology shows that these elements are strongly associated with life satisfaction and long-term functioning (Ryff, 2014).
3. Social Wellbeing
Humans are social beings. Having supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, and community inclusion significantly improves mental health outcomes. Social isolation, by contrast, increases risk of depression and poor health (NHS, 2023; CDC, 2024).
NHS guidance on the “Five steps to mental wellbeing” is available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
CDC overview of mental health:
About Mental Health | Mental Health | CDC
These three domains are interconnected. When one area is strained, the others are often affected.
Mental wellbeing is shaped by individual experiences, social conditions, and broader structural factors.
1. Life Events
Bereavement, chronic illness, academic pressure, unemployment, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and financial strain all influence mental wellbeing.
In Kenya, studies show that psychological distress is common among adolescents facing social and economic hardship (Mbithi et al., 2023). Healthcare workers in Kenyan referral hospitals have also reported significant levels of anxiety and depression during high-stress periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Kwobah et al., 2021).
2. Social Determinants
Income security, housing stability, education, community safety, and access to healthcare services strongly influence mental health outcomes.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health recognises mental health as a public health priority and highlights the role of social and economic determinants in shaping wellbeing (Ministry of Health Kenya, 2020).
Globally, mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability (WHO, 2022).
Strong mental wellbeing is associated with:
Poor or persistent decline in mental wellbeing increases vulnerability to depression, anxiety disorders, substance use, and social exclusion (WHO, 2022).
The encouraging message is that mental wellbeing can be strengthened at any stage of life. Evidence-based strategies include:
American Psychiatric Association lifestyle guidance:
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/lifestyle-to-support-mental-health
Mental wellbeing is not a luxury. It is a foundation for individual health, family stability, and national development.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024. Learn about mental health.
Kwobah, E. et al., 2021. Psychological distress among healthcare workers in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mbithi, G. et al., 2023. Mental health and psychological well-being of Kenyan adolescents in the context of COVID-19.
Ministry of Health Kenya, 2020. Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030.
Ryff, C.D., 2014. Psychological well-being revisited: Advances in the science and practice of eudaimonia.
World Health Organization (WHO), 2022. Mental health: Strengthening our response.
