Indian Psychology of Mind and Mental Health

Abstract

This chapter provides the text of Indian Psychology focusing on the concepts of mind and mental health. Due to cultural and individual differences in mental health and related constructs, its measurements and assessments are facing uncertainty and instability. This chapter is a small effort to identify the model of personality and the functioning of mental mechanisms described in Indian psychology, in order to find a better approach in the field of mental health. First, the chapter explores the concepts of mind and mental health from the Indian psychological perspective finding their relationship with Yoga, Upanishads, Gita, Vedanta, and others. It then explores the structure and dynamics of personality, including the model of structure and dynamics of personality based on Indian psychology. Finally, the chapter has a short look at managing skills of self in Indian perspectives and then suggests a simple way to manage self to gain actual health and mental health. This chapter concludes that the improvement of spiritual and religious qualities, values and resources affect health and intervention. There is enough material about mental health and the mind in Indian psychology/philosophy to explore, determine and cure mental health problems scientifically.