Introduction
Wellness and Flourishing
Mental Wellness has been described as a state of Flourishing. Flourishing is a state where one has high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Flourishing is a protective factor for mental illness. It is associated with reduced rates of mental illness. Flourishing is also associated with increased physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.
Am I flourishing?
According to Keyes (2007) Source, a flourishing person exhibits high levels on at least six of the following dimensions of human functioning:
Postive Psychological Functioning
- Self-Acceptance
- Personal Growth
- Purpose in Life
- Environmental Mastery
- Autonomy
- Positive Relations with Others
- Autonomy
Positive Social Functioning
- Social Acceptance
- Social Actualization
- Social Contribution
- Social Coherence
- Social Integration
How can I flourish?
Fredrickson and Losada (2005) found that people, couples and teams are much more likely to flourish if they exhibit a 3-1 ratio of positive behaviors and affect to negative behaviors and affect.
The broaden and build theory also suggests that unlike negative emotions, which narrow one's behaviors toward specific actions that are life-preserving for humans (fight, flight), positive emotions are associated with creativity and behavioral flexibility. Negativity narrows ones attention and behavioral repertoire, while positivity broaden these repertoires. Broadening is involved in the building of social connections, coping and knowledge about the environment.
Certain actions and behaviors have been scientifically demonstrated to improve one's happiness and positive states
Practicing gratitude (Emmons & McCullough, 2003), forgiveness (McCullough, Prgament, & Thoreson, 200) and thoughtful self reflection (Lyubomirsky, Sousa, & Dickerhoof) have all been found to improve well-being.
Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology is a new branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. Research in this area has demonstrated that it is possible to be happier — to feel more satisfied, to be more engaged with life, find more meaning, have higher hopes, and experience more positive emotions, regardless of one's circumstances. Source
UCSD Resources
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UCSD Psychological and Counseling Services offers free, confidential counseling to registered UCSD students, as well as many groups, workshops and online resources for mental well-being.
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The UCSD Center for Mindfulness is a multi-faceted program of clinical care, education, research and outreach intended to further the practice and integration of mindfulness.
Other Resources
- AuthenticHappiness.Org Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment.
- Good News Network A blog for positive psychology resources.
- Stress Management Discovery Health Stress management tips and info from Discovery Health.
- Ulifeline A mental health library, drug database, mental health screening tests, how to help a friend, support groups, crisis centers, suicide prevention information and much more.
- MentalHelp.net Website with resources, news, psych self-help, books, etc.
