Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: What’s the Difference?
What is the state of your mental health?
Do you have a mental illness? Does someone you love?
We throw the words mental illness and mental health around a lot. The terms are often used interchangeably. But what do they really mean? And what’s the difference?
Keep listening to discover what constitutes a mental illness, the prevalence of mental illness today, and actionable steps you can take to improve your mental health.
Mental illness vs. Mental health
Most people have mental health concerns from time to time. If we experience loss or disappointment, we may feel down or in a funk for days, not motivated to do anything or see anyone. We may even stop eating or eat more than usual. This is normal and part of how we individually cope with the ups and downs of life. But it does not necessarily mean we have a mental illness.
So what is a mental illness, and what exactly is our mental health?
Let’s start with the latter. Our mental health basically refers to our mental well-being.
It impacts how we feel, think, and act, as well as how we relate to others, handle stress, and make choices in life. In other words, our mental health refers to our ability to navigate the world, solve problems, overcome life’s challenges, understand what’s happening around us, and remain socially connected.
Because our mental health is an integral part of our overall health, we must take good care of it.
May is Mental Health Awareness month - so now is as good a time as any to consider the state of your mental health.
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A reminder that this content is not intended to substitute professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a medical practitioner for your unique case.