Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

Mental Illness vs Mental Health: Definitions, Signs & Treatment

Mental illness" and "mental health" are interchangeable but have different meanings and causes. A person can have poor mental health but cannot suffer from mental illnesses but can progress to mental illness (e.g., chronic stress → anxiety disorder).

Keep learning from this article to determine the difference between mental health and mental illness, clinical symptoms, and treatments.

Definition of Mental Health and Mental Illness

Mental health refers to the psychological, emotional and social well-being of individuals. It affects someone's feelings, acting, thinking, decision-making, handling problems and interacting with others.

Mental illness indicates severe conditions that impact feelings, thinking, and behaviour. This situation can evolve into serious complications, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In 2019, around 970 million people worldwide suffered from mental illness, with the most common disorders being depression and anxiety.

Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

Both mental illness and health impact concentration level and brain functioning. It is essential to differentiate between them to ensure proper care and create a supportive environment. The table below discusses recognisable differences between mental health and illness:

Differentiation Aspects	Mental Health	Mental Illness
Nature	It is fluctuating and dynamic. An individual's mental health can decline or improve.	These are often long-lasting and serious compared to temporary mental health problems. Mental illnesses can be episodic or situational.
Examples	Life satisfaction, emotional resilience, stress management, and social well-being are examples of mental health conditions.	Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, sleeping disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder are several kinds of mental illnesses.
Risk Factors	Burnout, physical fatigue or exhaustion, grief, social connections, lifestyle choices, life expectancies, stress and physical health conditions can influence mental health.	Family history or genetic interplay, neurobiological factors (e.g., serotonin imbalance), abusive childhood trauma or fear, stressful events like financial problems, and a loved one's death. Moreover, social factors like poverty, discrimination, and environmental factors like alcohol and drugs can contribute to mental illness.
Impact	Leading to several complications, including substance abuse, temporary social isolation, difficulties in concentrating at work or school and physical health issues. Poor mental health also affects relationships/functioning.	It drastically affects the ability to engage in relationships, perform regulatory functions, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Care and Treatment	Preventive, proactive measures, such as healthy eating, self-care practices, regular physical activities, and adequate sleep, are required for good health.	Clinical interventions such as professional treatment, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and psychological therapies are the treatments.

Signs of Poor Mental Health or Illnesses

Indicating signs depend on the type of mental health disorder or illness. Some common symptoms are:

Feeling unhappy and alone
Emotional outbursts, mood changes such as extreme anger, distress
Sleeping problems
Quieter than usual
Feeling worthless
Suicidal thoughts
Neglecting responsibilities
Weight gain or loss

Options to Maintain Mental Well-Being

Treating illness and fostering good mental health requires good actions, which are:

Cognitive behavioural therapy, like counselling, reframing
Mindfulness practices or meditation
Spending time with family, friends, and loved ones
Deep breathing exercises
Regular physical exercise
Having a routine of 8 hours of sleep
Healthy balanced diet
Engaging with enjoyable activities
Setting short-term and long-term goals

Mental health means the emotional well-being and mental state, whereas mental illness indicates a diagnosed mental condition that impacts behaviour and thoughts. A person who struggles with mental health can feel unhappy or overwhelmed or have thinking difficulties without being anxious or living with depression.

Mental illness makes you feel numb, helpless, and unable to work, experience mood swings, and have suicidal and self-harming thoughts.

Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

Mental Illness vs Mental Health: Definitions, Signs & Treatment

Definition of Mental Health and Mental Illness

Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

Signs of Poor Mental Health or Illnesses

Options to Maintain Mental Well-Being

Explore Relevant Symptoms and Conditions