A number of people have been asking what definition of Mental Health
Promotion is being used by the Canadian Public Health Association in its
project with Health Canada.

We have not settled yet on one definition, but there are a number of
working definitions that we are aware of. At a symposium on Mental Health
Promotion held last June, cosponsored by the Centre for Health Promotion,
University of Toronto, and the Mental Health Promotion Unit, Health Canada,
participants agreed upon the following working definitions:

Mental Health is the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think and act
in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges
we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that
respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice,
interconnections and personal dignity.

Mental Health Promotion is the process of enhancing the capacity of
individuals and communities to take control over their lives and improve
their mental health. Mental health promotion uses strategies that foster
supportive environments and inidvidual resilience, while showing respect
for culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity.

Kathryn Tregunna
Director of Policy and Program Development
Canadian Public Health Association
Phone: 613-725-3769, extension 168   Fax: 613-725-9826
email: [log in to unmask]