Which of the following best describes mental health?

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. It affects our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Describing mental health as a psychological state of well-being captures its essence, as it addresses the internal processes that govern our emotional responses, cognitive functions, and overall mental resilience.

While financial well-being, physical fitness, and social status may influence and relate to mental health, they do not define it. Financial stability can provide security, physical fitness can affect mood and self-esteem, and social status may impact an individual’s sense of belonging. However, these factors are external and do not encapsulate the psychological and emotional dimensions that are central to understanding mental health. Thus, the most accurate description is the psychological state of well-being, which prioritizes the intrinsic aspects of mental functioning.