The National Prevention Strategy, published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Prevention Council, aims to guide our nation in the most effective and achievable means for improving health and well-being. The Strategy prioritizes prevention by integrating recommendations and actions across multiple settings to improve health and save lives. The Strategy envisions a prevention-oriented society where all sectors recognize the value of health for individuals, families, and society and work together to achieve better health for Americans. The Strategy includes 7 Priorities that provide evidenced-based recommendations that are most likely to reduce the burden of the leading causes of preventable death and major illness. The Priorities are designed to improve health and wellness for the entire U.S. Population, including those groups disproportionally affected by disease and injury. One of the 7 key Priorities is Mental and Emotional Well-Being:
Mental and Emotional well-being is essential to overall health. Positive mental health allows people to realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Early childhood experiences have lasting, measurable consequences later in life; therefore, fostering emotional well-being from the earliest stages of life helps build a foundation for overall health.
National Prevention Strategy Recommendations:
- Promote positive early childhood development, including positive parenting and violence-free homes.
- Facilitate social connectedness and community engagement across the lifespan.
- Provide individuals and families with the support necessary to maintain positive mental well-being.
- Promote early identification of mental health needs and access to quality services.
What can we do?
- Build strong, positive relationships with family and friends.
- Become more involved in the community.
- Encourage children and adolescents to participate in extracurricular and out-of-school activities.
- Work to make sure children feel comfortable talking about problems and seeking assistance when needed.
- Learn how to identify the signs of mental health disorders and how to refer people for help.
- Encourage routine screening and early intervention for mental health disorders.
Download the complete Mental and Emotional Well-Being PDF
Original source – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Prevention Council