In a world where physical health often takes the spotlight, it’s essential to shift our gaze towards another equally crucial aspect – our mental wellbeing. Just as we foster physical wellness through nutrition and exercise, so too must we nurture our minds. 

The lines between mental health and mental illness may often seem blurred, but understanding these concepts can pave the path towards a more empathetic society, promoting wellness and reducing the stigma around mental health issues.

So what’s the difference between mental health and mental illness? Mental health refers to a person’s overall psychological wellbeing. It includes the way individuals feel about themselves, the quality of their relationships, and their ability to manage feelings and deal with difficulties. Mental illness refers specifically to diagnosable mental disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviours. 

Mental illness is treatable, and many individuals with mental illness recover completely or are able to live, work, and contribute to their communities. Though everyone possesses mental health, not everyone will face a mental illness.

Understanding the difference between mental health and mental illness

Mental health and mental illness are two distinct yet interconnected concepts. 

Think of mental health as you would physical health. We all have physical health, which can fluctuate from good to poor depending on various factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and illness. Similarly, we all have mental health that can shift from good (feeling content, capable, and in control) to poor (feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed).

If you see someone who exercises regularly, eats a balanced diet, and sleeps well, they likely have good physical health. However, they may unexpectedly fall ill, like catching a flu. This is akin to mental illness. Despite maintaining good mental health practices, one can still experience mental illness due to factors often beyond one’s control, like genetics or traumatic experiences. 

On the other hand, someone may not show symptoms of a physical disease but may be in poor physical health due to constant stress, lack of exercise, or poor nutrition. In the same vein, one can have poor mental health – feeling persistently stressed, down, or anxious – without a specific mental illness diagnosis. 

Remember that mental illnesses are real, valid, and treatable conditions. They are not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It doesn’t mean you can’t lead a fulfilling and successful life. Many individuals with mental illnesses lead rich, fulfilling lives, especially when they receive proper treatment and support. 

In summary, while mental health encompasses our social, psychological, and emotional wellbeing – affecting how we think, feel, and act – mental illness refers specifically to diagnosable psychological disorders that significantly disrupt a person’s cognitive, emotional, or social abilities.

Tip: Just as we would not blame someone for contracting a physical illness, we should not stigmatise or blame someone experiencing mental illness. And just as we would encourage someone to improve their physical health through better habits, we should also support those dealing with poor mental health as they seek to improve their mental wellbeing.

The connection between the two

Imagine two separate lines or scales. 

One line is your mental health, and the other represents mental illness. 

On the mental health line, one end represents good mental health, and the other represents poor mental health. A person at the good end of this scale can handle life’s normal stresses, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community. While someone at the poor end might struggle with maintaining relationships, feel overwhelmed by life’s stresses, and generally find it harder to enjoy life.

The second line, the mental illness one, has one end representing no signs of any mental illness, and the other end showing severe symptoms of mental illness. For instance, at the severe end, an individual might be diagnosed with major depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, with episodes profoundly impacting their daily life.

These two lines or scales are not on the same track; they’re distinct. That means a person can be anywhere on each of these scales independently. 

For instance, a person could have a diagnosed mental illness (like bipolar disorder), but with effective management (medications, therapy, lifestyle changes), they could still be towards the good end of the mental health scale, leading a fulfilling life. 

Whereas someone may not have any diagnosed mental illness, but due to life circumstances (like stress, loss, or physical illness), they might be at the poor end of the mental health scale, struggling to cope. 

Both mental health and mental illness exist on a continuum, where mental health can range from flourishing and positive to struggling or poor, and mental illness ranges from no symptoms to severe symptoms. This interconnectedness reveals the importance of regular mental health check-ups, just as we have standard physical health check-ups, to detect early signs of mental distress and provide interventions when needed.

How to improve your understanding of mental wellness

1. Educate yourself

The internet is a vast resource of information on mental wellness. Websites like Beyond Blue, Lifeline Australia, Headspace, and Black Dog Institute provide excellent resources on mental health. 

As for books, engaging with literature – both fiction and non-fiction – offers unique insights into the human mind and the vast range of behavioural health experiences. Psychological novels, for example, often explore characters’ mental states, providing readers with an intimate understanding of the complexities of mental health. 

Non-fiction books, on the other hand, offer scientific knowledge, personal narratives, and expert advice. Educational texts can explain the technicalities of mental health and illness, while memoirs offer first-hand accounts of living with mental health conditions, providing relatable perspectives that can reduce stigma and improve empathy. Self-help books also often provide practical strategies for managing mental health. 

2. Reflect on personal experiences

Keep in mind that your experience with mental health is unique. Each individual encounters different stresses, has different resilience levels, and possesses a different set of coping skills. 

For instance, you may have noticed periods of intense stress affecting your mood, sleep, or appetite. Such experiences shed light on how mental health isn’t just about diagnosable conditions, but also about overall mental wellbeing.

Tip: Mental health conditions are not a person’s identity. Someone may have depression, but they are not defined by it. They are a person first, experiencing a mental health challenge. Rather than saying, “They are bipolar,” we can say, “They have bipolar disorder.” This distinction separates the person from their condition, reinforcing their humanity and individuality.

3. Engage in mindfulness practices

Mindfulness, the practice of focusing one’s attention on the present moment, can increase self-awareness and empathy. By consciously directing your attention to your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, you can better understand the complexity of your mental state. 

This newfound self-awareness can then help you relate to the experiences of others who may be coping with mental health conditions. Regular mindfulness exercises such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or yoga can help cultivate this awareness.

Here are some tips to further enhance your mindfulness practice: 

• Create a schedule: Consistency is key. Try to set aside a specific time each day for your mindfulness exercises, whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.
• Start small: If you’re new to mindfulness, start with short sessions of about 5 minutes and gradually increase the duration over time.
• Use guided practices: Plenty of apps and online resources offer guided mindfulness exercises that can be helpful, especially for beginners.
• Be patient with yourself: It’s normal to have your mind wander during mindfulness practices. The goal is not to eradicate thoughts but to become an observant of them.
• Combine it with physical activities: Mindfulness can be incorporated into routine activities such as walking, eating, or even doing household chores.
• Journaling: After each session, try writing down your experience in a journal. This can improve your self-awareness and help you track your progress over time.

4. Attend workshops, webinars, or retreats on mental health topics

Diversify your understanding of mental health and mental illness by participating in workshops, webinars, or retreats that focus on these topics. These platforms often host experts in the field who share their insights and latest research findings. They also offer an opportunity for you to engage in discussions, ask questions, and interact with others who share your interests. 

Many such events are now held online, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Make sure these resources come from reputable sources so that you receive reliable and accurate information.

5. Develop empathy and active listening skills

The skill of empathy can be developed through various practices such as mindfulness meditation, reading diverse narratives, and engaging in open, honest conversations.  

Meanwhile, active listening demands full attention to the speaker, involving not just hearing the words, but also comprehending and interpreting the underlying messages. To hone this skill, you can practice restating or paraphrasing the speaker’s sentiments, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback. 

It’s also important to delve into specific disorders under the umbrella of mental health and mental illness. Understanding the nuances of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others, can enhance your comprehension significantly. 

These conditions have unique manifestations, triggers, and coping strategies. Depression, for instance, may be characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and changes in sleep and appetite. On the other hand, anxiety disorders often involve excessive, persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. 

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Schizophrenia, meanwhile, may include symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and impaired thinking. 

By gaining insights into these specific conditions, you can deepen your empathy towards those affected by them, and your active listening skills can be more effectively applied in conversations related to these topics. When you’re able to engage in conversations about these conditions in your community, you can help reduce stigma and foster a more understanding and inclusive society.

6. Volunteer or get involved in support groups

Participating in these groups allows you to hear personal stories, learn about different coping mechanisms, and observe the effects of various treatment strategies. 

The ultimate goal of volunteering should be to learn and help, so always approach it with an open mind and a respectful attitude. Whether it’s joining a local mental health awareness campaign, participating in a fundraising event, or simply facilitating conversations in a support group, every effort counts towards building a more mindful and compassionate world.

There’s absolutely no shame in asking for help

Whether you’re struggling with your own mental health or seeking to better understand the experiences of those with mental illnesses, reaching out to a professional is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, and holistic healers, dedicate their lives to teaching others how to navigate the nuances and complexities of mental wellness.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. There’s no quick fix or magic formula. That’s why at the Highlands Centre for Healing, we offer various options – ranging from wellness retreats to healing workshops – to accommodate your preferences, needs, and circumstances. Take the first step to healing today.