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Chapter 9 - Mental Wellbeing

from Section 3 - The Lifestyle Medicine Pillars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2025

By
Sam Manger
Edited by
Richard Pinder ,
Christopher-James Harvey  and
Ellen Fallows
Richard Pinder
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Christopher-James Harvey
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Ellen Fallows
Affiliation:
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
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Summary

Mental health disorders are highly prevalent and costly in high-income countries, driven by multiple social, economic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle Medicine strategies can prevent and treat mental health disorders by addressing their biopsychosocial determinants and enhancing positive psychology- focusing on preserving developing what works well, rather than the traditional medical model of fixing what has broken. A number of tools and techniques to assess and prescribe lifestyle interventions for mental wellbeing are available. Mental health is intimately connected with other aspects of Lifestyle Medicine, such as physical activity, relationships, and the natural environment. Applying the evidence base from Lifestyle Medicine offers possibilities to avoid over-prescribing and promote non-pharmacological and holistic approaches that empower individuals and communities.

Keywords

Mental well-beingLifestyle MedicinePositive psychologyMental health disordersSocial determinants of healthGreen and blue prescriptionsMind–body practicesSnacktivityOver-medicalisationCo-design
Type
Chapter
Information
Essential Lifestyle Medicine , pp. 73 - 85
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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