What is mental wellbeing?
Mental wellbeing is relevant to everyone, just as physical wellbeing is, whether you have a mental health diagnosis or not. Mental wellbeing is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as:
“Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”
When we are mentally healthy we can form positive relationships, cope with day to day challenges, and use our abilities to reach our potential. It is about much more than just the absence of mental ill health.
The evidence is clear and consistent in this area – the better your mental wellbeing, the better your health and the better your performance at work. Everyone experiences highs and lows in their sense of mental wellbeing and the information below, along with the survey, will help you to look after your own mental wellbeing at work and home.
What do I need to do?
Simply answer a few questions (it only takes 3 minutes!) and this will give you a snapshot of your current mental wellbeing. Once you have your score, look at the interpretations at the bottom of this page to see where you sit on the wellbeing scale.
What is the survey?
We are using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Survey which was developed by NHS Health Scotland to develop mental health indicators. This is not a mental health diagnostic tool, but it will provide you with an indication of where you sit on the wellbeing scale.
Your score
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0-32 points |
33-40 points |
41-58 points |
59-70 points |
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Your wellbeing score is very low. Most people have a score between 41-59. You may want to begin by talking to a friend or GP about how you can start to address this. |
Your wellbeing score is below average. Most people have a score between 41-59. You can take action to improve your mental wellbeing by talking to a friend or GP to see what you can do to improve your score. |
Your wellbeing score is average. Most people have a score between 41-59. You can still improve your mental wellbeing by getting active and connecting with others. |
Your wellbeing score is above average. Most people have a score between 41-59. Keep doing what you’re doing!
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How to look after your mental wellbeing
Remove or reduce your stress
Easier said than done – but this applies to both at work and at home. It’s important to recognise when something is happening that is unchangeable vs something you can act on and reduce the stress it’s causing you. We often worry about things out of our control when instead we should learn how to cope and process them in a healthy way.
Build your mental resilience
We all have natural mental resilience which helps us deal with everyday stress and maintain emotional strength during trauma or tragedy. This is partly determined by our genetics and personality, but many aspects can be learned and developed in order to become more resilient.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state of being that is actively focused on the present. Rather than letting life pass you by and worrying about future or past difficulties, you learn to observe your current emotions and thoughts in a way that improved your ability to process difficult or stressful situations. This is because there is a correlation between mindfulness practice and the development of your pre-frontal cortex, which is responsible for focused attention and regulating emotional responses.
Mental health crisis support
If you need emergency support please go to your local A&E or call NHS 111(in England).
You can also contact the following crisis support hotlines:
Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7, 365 days a year)
SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (6pm – 11pm, 365 days a year)