Mental health and mental illness are related concepts but refer to different aspects of psychological well-being.
Mental health:
- Mental health encompasses a person's overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
- It is a positive state of mental functioning that involves the ability to cope with stress, maintain fulfilling relationships, work productively, and make sound decisions.
- Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorders but includes factors like resilience, self-esteem, and the ability to enjoy life.
Mental illness:
- Mental illness refers to specific conditions or disorders that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.
- These conditions are often characterized by significant impairment in daily functioning and may require professional diagnosis and treatment.
- Mental illnesses can vary widely, including conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others.
In summary, mental health is a broader concept that reflects overall well-being, encompassing positive aspects of mental functioning, while mental illness refers to specific diagnosable conditions that impact mental health negatively. Good mental health involves more than just the absence of mental illness; it involves a state of flourishing and optimal psychological functioning.
For a list of wellness businesses in your area that offer mental health support, please see: Holistipedia - Mental health support.
For a comprehensive list of mental health resources please see: Holistipedia - Resources.
Have a question? Please reach out to us at info@holistipedia.ca
