Mental health and wellbeing

What is mental health?

Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness. It is the embodiment of social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is fundamental to physical health, productivity in the workplace, school, family and overall quality of life. Mental health provides individuals with the vitality necessary for active living, to achieve goals and to interact with one another in ways that are respectful and just.

VicHealth's approach to promoting mental health

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan for Action provides a comprehensive framework for VicHealth’s approach to mental health promotion. We focus on three key themes for action based on social and economic factors that influence mental health and wellbeing: social inclusion; freedom from discrimination and violence; and access to economic resources. As these influences on mental health lie outside of the health system, partnerships with individuals and organisations from other sectors, such as housing, employment, sport and recreation, education and income security are pivotal to effective mental health promotion.