Mental health and mental illness: why the confusion between the two?
The difference between mental health and mental illness is something that many, many people have difficulty in understanding. This is because often times, mental health and mental illness are used interchangeably. When someone says “mental health”, people often assume that the person is referring to “mental illness”, which is not always the case. Additionally, in everyday language, one may refer to another as being “mental” and automatically, there is an implication of mental illness.
then what is the difference?
Although mental health does not mean mental illness, mental illness is a part of mental health. Think about mental illness as being part of a larger spectrum of mental health.
still confused?
It may be easier to think of the relationship between mental health and mental illness similarly to how one thinks of the relationship between physical health and physical illness.
Physical health, like mental health, is a spectrum. You can have physical illnesses, but that is only part of the larger spectrum of physical health. You work to maintain good physical health by exercising, eating healthy foods, etc. Most importantly, physical illness does not necessarily to hinder your daily functioning.
This is the same as mental health and mental illness. You can have mental illness, but that is only a fraction of what mental health is. Mental health needs to be maintained, just like physical health does. Taking breaks from stressful situations, talking to others, meditation and other strategies can help with the maintenance of mental health. Most importantly, having mental illness does not need to hinder your ability to have a fulfilling and functional life.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS
1 in 5 people have first-hand experiences with mental illness.
Fact. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (2013), about 1 in 5 people will have first-hand experiences with mental illness. This can include mood disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. If you personally do not have lived experience with mental illness, it is likely that you do know somebody with lived experience.
mental illness is not a real medical illness.
Myth. Mental illnesses can be caused by interactions between chemicals in the brain as well as environmental influences. Brain activity of someone living with mental illness is likely to be different from someone living without it. Like other medical illnesses, many mental illnesses can be treated and managed over time.
because i don’t have a mental illness, i don’t need think about my mental health.
Myth. Mental health is relevant to everybody, just like physical health is relevant to everybody. It is important to be mindful of your limits and your own well-being. You can maintain your mental health with various activities such as yoga, meditation and/or engaging in self-soothing activities. Preparing your mental well-being is especially important prior to times that are known to be stressful, such as exam periods.
people who have mental illnesses cannot lead a normal functioning life.
Myth. With appropriate treatment and maintenance (e.g., psychotherapy, medication), the majority of people with mental illness can live normally and flourish.
it is difficult to identify a person with a mental illness just by looking at them.
Fact. We walk by many people every day who have mental illness and we do not give them a second glance. This is because people with mental illness can work and function well and fit into society when they’re illness is managed. Only when a person is acutely symptomatic (e.g. psychotic episode, anxiety attack, etc.) can an observer guess that the individual potentially has an illness.
Figure 1. Mental Health Spectrum- The mental health of an individual can vary throughout their lifetime. An individual can fluctuate between flourishing health and deteriorating health within a period of time, regardless of whether an individual has a pre-existing mental disorder (diagnosis) or not. Contrary to common belief, individuals without mental disorders (no diagnosis) can also suffer from ill mental health if they are not mindful to take care of themselves.
References
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2013). Fast Facts about Mental Illness. Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-
Keyes, C.L.M. (2002, June). The Mental Health Continuum: From languishing to flourishing in life. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 43(2), 207-222.
Source: http://www.ubcmhn.com/campaign/mental-health-%E2%89%A0-mental-illness/ (thank you to the UBC Mental Health Network for this amazing resource!)