Not merely the absence of disease
"A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" That is the World Health Organisation's definition of health. It is broad, and so it should be because health is broad. It specifically mentions mental and social well-being, because mental and social health is not inferior to physical health. 20% of the UK's population has a mental health condition, that is 10.2 million people. 10.2 million families. 10.2 million stories and lives. In comparison 30% of the UK's population has a long term condition, that is 15.4 million people. Long term conditions and health are so widely talked about, there is very little taboo or stigma surrounding them and the care provided is far superior. Mental health is hidden to the eye- this can be both a blessing and a curse. Okay so everyone you meet might not know you are ill, and you can cover it from people who you don't want to tell. But then try and tell someon...