Do we need positive mental health literacy? First explorations of broadening the scope of mental health literacy

Background — Mental well-being is widely accepted as a fundamental part of mental health, and conceptualized as distinct from mental illness. However, mental health literacy (MHL) has overwhelmingly focused on mental illness, and less on mental well-being. Methods — In this position paper, we argue that MHL, as an evolving concept, would benefit from including literacy on mental well-being. Results — Though it is suggested that MHL is an important factor for mental illness prevention and mental health promotion, there is still room for improvement in MHL research and practice. It is argued that the actual definitions of MHL, so as its measures and interventions leave out mental well-being, ignoring an important dimension of mental health. Conclusions — A new concept, positive mental health literacy is proposed in order to achieve a complete mental health literacy approach. Integrating mental illness and positive mental health literacy may reflect different yet complementary aspects of mental health, facilitate help-seeking and mental health de-stigmatization. Expanding MHL by including both mental illness and positive mental health literacy may result in improved mental health indicators, such as less psychological symptoms and more mental well-being.