Mental health, like physical health, may
be viewed as existing on a continuum
from healthy living to chronic illness. In
2001, the U.S. Surgeon General defined
mental health as “the successful performance
of mental function, resulting in
productive activities, fulfilling relationships
with other people, and the ability
to adapt to change and to cope with
adversity” (U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, 2001).