Though the term Yoga is of Indian origin, the concept of Mental Health is essentially the Western one. Although, we come across references to `Happy state of mind` in ancient Indian literature, the concept of Mental Health as an independent approach seems to be absent. It was since; the Indian thought has always held a holistic view of man rather than a reductionist one. Interdependence of mind and body has always been recognized in Indian thought. Before speaking with confidence in favor of Yoga as it contributes to Mental Health, let us define this important term. Mental health is an ability to face and solve problems and select the correct alternative that results in the feeling of contentment and happiness. Widely defined as the science of human behavior, the science of psychology deals with internal (covert) and external (overt) behaviors.

II. Yogic Methods
a) The theoretical and philosophical aspects of yoga are responsible for imbibing in the mind of sadhaka an objective and impartial outlook towards the life and the world. E.g.

i) Four Purusharthas
ii) Panca Kosha theory
iii) Karma-phal theory and
iv) Samkhya`s Triguna theory.

b) To be always in touch with yogic philosophy and yoga practice. It may change our attitude towards yoga favorably, e.g. staying in a yoga ashram for a long time. Favorable attitude towards yoga may be slowly transformed into "Eternal Yogic Values", e.g. detachment, contentment etc. The values may bring about flexibility in one`s interpersonal relationship.

c) Asana and pranayama can correct our psychophysiology.

d) Trataka, can bring about a psychological cleansing since conflicts can be reduced and a relaxation can be experienced by the practice of trataka. A Reduction of conflicts and relaxation are bedrocks of good social adjustments.

e) Practice of the Yamas, is the foundation of good interpersonal adjustment. Called as codes of social conducts, by some authorities on yoga, Yamas lay foundation for healthy and harmonious interpersonal relationships.

f) Self- Development using the Yoga Techniques:

i) Observance of Niyamas: These laghuvrtas (small vows) help in self-adjustment, as they tackle a total psycho physiological system of man. Asanajaya enables a person to reduce the conflicts like hunger-thirst, hot and cold variations in the weather etc.

ii) Dhyana brings about a mental purgation / catharsis, that helps in reduction of conflicts and frustration.

iii) Kriya Yoga: According to Patanjala Yoga Sutras it cleanses our psychological environment.

iv) Collective prayers: It helps in inculcating feelings of brotherhood for our fellow beings; thus it helps in interpersonal adjustment.

v) In the event of undesirable feelings towards others, if we concentrate on the opposite of it, i.e. "Pratipaksha Bhavanam".

vi) Pranava or omkar recitation. Researches at Kaivalyadhama indicate that the low pitched omkar recitation reduces neuroticism, anxiety and conflicts. This helps in personal and interpersonal adjustments.

Conflicts
The most deep-rooted source of frustration is a conflict of motives within the person. A conflict between two or more motives (i.e. desires, wishes etc.) results in the frustration of a motive. In our day-to-day life, often, we are not able to resolve the two opposing desires or wishes. Given below are the types of conflicts, sources and the remedies of the conflicts given below:

Types of Conflicts
1. Approach - approach conflict (+ve & +ve):
This is a conflict between two positive goals. Both the goals are equally attractive at the same time. Example, if a student is accepted in two equally prestigious universities.

Remedy:
By subjective assessment of positive points in both, and settling for one of them. The student may choose to join any of the two universities after some such thoughts.

2. Avoidance-avoidance conflict (-ve & -ve).
This type involves two negative goals. The person is caught between two negative goals. A student neither wants to study nor wants to take up any job. Remedy: Leaving the field altogether and taking up an entirely different approach. The student in above mentioned example might choose to do some business instead.

3. Approach - avoidance conflict: In this type of a conflict, the person is both repelled and attracted by the same goal object. This type of conflict is considered as the most difficult because the person has "internalized obstacles" deeper in him to tackle. Example a person caught in a dilemma i.e. to eat butter and become obese (which he does not like to become). He does not want to leave butter either.

Remedy: The person may resolve this conflict partially by some kind of compromise i.e. (1) eating very less quantity of butter or (2) not caring about the consequences and enjoy the butter to the full.

Common Sources & the Remedies of Mental health:
1. Achievement:
In the event of success in achieving promotion and such other goals, many people feel conflict as these successes may bring hostilities and grudges from the persons who have proved to be unsuccessful. Yogic Remedy: To accept success or failure in a spirit of calmness.

2. Independence:
Conflicts over the benefits of dependence and independence may tear a person apart. Yogic Remedy: The person may avoid extremes in independence and dependence as Yamas and Niyamas discipline his personal and social life adequately.

3. Sex:
Moral codes prohibiting sexual relationship before marriage may create conflict in a young man, who has developed sexual urges. Yogic Remedy: Regular practice of Niyamas or Brahmacharya and other yogic practices such as asanas, pranayamas, may contribute to a "positive restraint" in the young, over the sexual matters and thus reducing conflicts.

4. Hostility:
When a person is kept waiting outside an apartment before a meeting, hostility is the natural outcome. Aggression and hostility however are not accepted by society. The resulting conflict is very difficult to be resolved. Yogic remedy: In the event of "doubts and conflict" we must concentrate on the opposite emotions.

Apart from the above-mentioned yogic remedies, one can practice Bahiranga Yoga and/or Kriya Yoga by keeping an attitude of a seer towards the source of conflicts. This will lead us to an objective perception of the world and life.

Frustration
Frustration is a natural tendency that is bound to take root in a person`s mind, if he faces problems in achieving his goals. Simply put every person has certain goals, desires, aims or objectives to fulfill in his life. However, if there are a few obstacles, be it people or situations that make it very difficult to succeed in those objectives, then the same leads to what we know as frustration. Frustrations in the head of an individual are not healthy, since it then leads to aggression, anger, sadness, sorrow, anxiety and fear. There are many causes for the conflicts to arise in the minds of individuals. They are: