Mental health is a continuum, ranging from the annoyances of stressful random nuisances to serious mental disorders. We hope that readers will find this third edition of The Encyclopedia of Mental Health helpful while coping with everyday challenges in healthy ways. According to Healthy People 2010, published by the U.S. government, mental health is a state of successful mental functioning, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. This blueprint for good health indicates that mental health is indispensable to well-being, family and interpersonal relationships, and one’s contribution to society. Much has changed in the world since the second edition of The Encyclopedia of Mental Health appeared in 2001. Many entries in this third edition reflect the current state of our global society. Our goal while compiling this edition was to cover many contemporary and disparate concepts, including those of aging, technological advancements, employment, the economy, war, terrorism, personal security and acts of nature such as hurricanes and tsunamis that have profound effects on mental health as well as some new therapies. Older people today have increased health expectancies, compared with Americans even 10 years ago, according to the National Institute on Aging. That means that people over the age of 65 have fewer physical, and, with good luck, also fewer mental health concerns. A major issue for the aging population is the decline in mental faculties; promising research is ongoing in the areas of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Research is essential: In 1900 there were 120,000 Americans over age 85. Now there are more than 4 million, and this is the fastest growing age group in the United States. Federal officials estimate that by the year 2030 there will be 72 million, meaning that 20 percent of the American population will be over age 65. Baby boomers are beginning to turn 65. Now those born between 1946 and 1960 account for 42 percent of U.S. households. These individuals have come though periods of very rapid social change, particularly in the last decade. Change, by itself, whether for good or not, can be a source of stress and can influence mental health. Technological changes, for example, continue at an accelerating pace. Instantaneous communication by cell phones, including those that transmit pictures, and Internet access are helpful on a daily basis to many people but a stressful challenge to some others. As people age, the job market changes. Some people are forced into earlier retirement than they had planned. Jobs are no longer for life. Mergers and layoffs have caused job insecurity across the board, and in many cases older workers are the first to go and face an insecure future. Working people also face increasing threats to good mental health due to fast-moving worldwide advancements in communications and technology. Effective adjustment strategies are necessary. Recognition of the impact of mental health on the economy is essential. The shifting global economy causes psychological uncertainties for many. Many workers are laid off from jobs they have held for many years. Some INTRODUCTION
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 08:45:06 +0000
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