The World Health Organization’s definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” implies that perfect “health” is an unattainable ideal, and this point of view is also reflected in the concept of mental health, as no person will exhibit all the symptoms of mental health all the time. Freud’s definition of health as the capacity “to work and to love” is widely accepted by mental health specialists as simple and accurate, and does not reflect the legal or moral considerations which often colour attempts to describe mental health.

The Laurel Foundation supports Mental Wellness initiatives through communication in the everyday world, in the classroom, at work and in the community.

Funded Projects

• Supporting people with bipolar disorder in work and educational settings: A knowledge translation project Dr. Erin Michalak, Mood Disorders Centre | Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
• Bipolar Bridges Mobile App: The business of bipolar disorder: A project to support Canadian employers, employees and entrepreneurs Dr. Erin Michalak, Associate Professor, UBC Dept. of Psychiatry