Mental illness and mental health are related concepts, but they represent different aspects of psychological well-being:
- Mental Health:
- Mental health refers to a person’s overall state of well-being in terms of their emotional, psychological, and social functioning.
- It encompasses positive attributes such as resilience, coping skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt to life’s challenges.
- Good mental health allows individuals to experience a sense of fulfillment, maintain healthy relationships, and function effectively in their daily lives.
- Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness; it involves experiencing positive emotions, having a sense of purpose, and engaging in meaningful activities.
- Mental Illness:
- Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior.
- These conditions may interfere with a person’s ability to function normally in their daily life and may cause distress or impairment.
- Examples of mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders, among others.
- Mental illnesses vary in severity, duration, and impact on an individual’s life. They can be temporary or chronic, mild or severe, and may require different types of treatment and support.
In summary, mental health encompasses the overall state of well-being, including positive attributes and effective functioning, while mental illness refers to specific conditions that disrupt normal psychological functioning and may require treatment or support. Maintaining good mental health involves promoting positive well-being and resilience, while addressing mental illness often requires professional intervention and appropriate treatment.