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MindNet Model

Cultural

Economic

Environmental

Historical

Physical

Political

Social

Spiritual

The model of mental health and well-being used in this e-newsletter (resembling a flower) was developed to help illustrate that the foundations for mental health are to be found as much outside the mind and body as within.

Research shows that people's experiences of mental health and well-being are strongly influenced by the past and present conditions, structures and processes that are part of our lives. These can significantly promote or reduce our well-being.

These influences can include

  • Social conditions, eg, home life.
  • Political influences, eg, laws, policies.
  • Historical events, eg, colonisation, past trauma.
  • Cultural practices, eg, prayer, knowledge of protocols.
  • Biological, physical attributes, eg, asthma, heart disease.
  • Spiritual life, eg, meditation, reflection.
  • Environmental conditions, eg, clean drinking water, clean air.
  • Clinical services, eg, access to useful health treatment services.
  • Economic forces, eg, unemployment, savings.

Mindnet takes a holistic approach to mental health and well-being, providing regular updates on emerging issues, new evidence and a range of perspectives and analysis that is much needed in our ever-changing world.

Top Page last updated: 7 October 2008