Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: What’s the Difference
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What is the state of your mental health?
Do you have a mental illness? Does someone you love?
We throw the words mental illness and mental health around a lot. The terms are often used interchangeably. But what do they really mean? And what’s the difference?
Keep reading to discover what constitutes a mental illness, the prevalence of mental illness today, and actionable steps you can take to improve your mental health.
Mental illness vs. Mental health
Most people have mental health concerns from time to time. If we experience loss or disappointment, we may feel down or in a funk for days, not motivated to do anything or see anyone. We may even stop eating or eat more than usual. This is normal and part of how we individually cope with the ups and downs of life. But it does not necessarily mean we have a mental illness.
So what is a mental illness, and what exactly is our mental health?
Let’s start with the latter. Our mental health basically refers to our mental well-being.
It impacts how we feel, think, and act, as well as how we relate to others, handle stress, and make choices in life. In other words, our mental health refers to our ability to navigate the world, solve problems, overcome life’s challenges, understand what’s happening around us, and remain socially connected.
Because our mental health is an integral part of our overall health, we must take good care of it.
May is Mental Health Awareness month - so now is as good a time as any to consider the state of your mental health.
What does positive mental health look like?
Attaining a state of positive mental health or a state of mental well-being is something we all strive for (or should strive for). It includes being balanced in all areas of health: emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.
It can look different to each one of us but includes some general attributes:
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Having and maintaining caring relationships
Having a place to call home
Being part of a supportive family/community
Being part of a productive work or school environment
Participating in restful or leisure activities we enjoy
Being able to cope with life’s ups and downs
Balance in all these areas while having the ability and tools to cope when there is a shift in balance generally means we have attained a state of mental well-being.
That said, today, we may feel level and balanced, but tomorrow we could be thrown for a loop. It’s how we handle life’s curveballs that help determine how positive our mental health actually is.
How to Manage Depression and Anxiety Naturally
Removing the problems that catapult you into episodes of anxiety or depression is a fine idea. However, the people who deal with these issues understand that doing so is often impossible. Many people must face stressors each day to go about their lives.
Work, friends, children, family, and education are all wonderful elements that make life more full and worthwhile. They also happen to be major catalysts of internal issues. Rather than remove yourself from society to avoid stress, learn to bolster yourself internally.
You can also try one (or several) of the following nine tips to help manage your depression or anxiety naturally:
“Being in balance also means not allowing our emotions to either run too high or too low. ”
Additionally, our mental health is highly influenced by the relationships we possess - with family, friends, and our environment. Stressors or abrupt changes in any of these areas: at home, school, community, and the world around us can impact our mental health.
Feeling stressed or anxious about something can be a regular part of living and does not indicate a problem. However, if stress, sadness or anxiety continually increases to the point where it impacts daily life, that mental health concern can become a mental health disorder.
It should be taken seriously at this point, and support should be sought when needed.
One place many people don’t even think to look for support is in their kitchen. As a health coach specializing in neuronutrition, helping people navigate their mental health and well-being by considering what they put on their fork is what I do.
The right foods can either help promote positive mental health or fuel the problem at hand. Food can be the absolute best medicine, or food can be the worst poison for the brain.
Be sure to check back for our next blog about general foods that may help. And if you could use additional support in discovering what specific foods are best for you and your individual needs, please contact me. It’s never too late to get started!
In the meantime, what follows is more information on mental illness and some tips on how to manage your mental health better.
What is Mental Illness?
According to the MayoClinic, mental illnesses or mental health disorders refer to a range of conditions or disorders that negatively affect your mood, thinking and behaviour. [1]
When we think of mental illness, common ones often come to mind: depression, eating disorders, addictive behaviours, schizophrenia, and anxiety. For more information about anxiety and ideas on how to cope, be sure to check out last week’s post.
Regardless of which mental illness you, a loved one, neighbour, colleague, or friend may be dealing with, any of them can create problems in your daily life and make even seemingly simple chores a challenge.
Because mental illnesses affect mood, thinking, and behaviour, symptoms can also affect emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours or actions. And just like the illnesses themselves, signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and from day to day.
Symptoms depend mainly on the particular disorder, individual circumstances, and other factors such as the environment, the situation, and a person’s genes.
Some common signs and symptoms of mental illness include (but are not limited to):
Extreme fatigue or low energy
Difficulty sleeping
Paranoia or hallucinations
Feelings of detachment
Difficulty coping with daily problems or stressors
Difficulty relating to others
Extreme anger or hostility
Notable changes in eating habits
Suicidal thoughts
Sadness
Feeling down or depressed
Extreme mood changes (highs and lows)
Confusion
A reduced ability to concentrate
Extreme feelings of guilt
Excessive worrying or fears
Withdrawing from family and friends
Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
In addition, many people who deal with a mental health disorder also experience physical symptoms like stomach pains, backaches, headaches, or other aches and pains of unexplained origin.
Mental illness statistics
The statistics around mental illness are staggering!
In Canada, the chances of having a mental illness in any given year are 1 in 5, while the chances of having a mental illness or substance abuse problem are 1 in 3! [2]
By the time a Canadian has reached 40, there is a 50% chance that they have either had or currently have a mental health disorder. That’s one out of every two people! [3]
70% of mental health issues begin in childhood or adolescence. Young people from the age of 15-24 are more likely to experience a mental illness and/or substance use problem than any other age bracket. [3]
Men are more likely to experience addiction issues than women. But women have higher rates of anxiety and mood disorders than men. [4]
As much as 67% of a city’s homeless population has reported dealing with a mental illness. [5]
On top of all this, there is a considerable connection between physical health and mental health. People who deal with chronic pain or other long-term medical conditions also have a much greater risk of experiencing a mood disorder like depression. [6]
The converse is also true. Those dealing with a mood disorder are also more likely to develop a long-term medical condition.
So what can we do to support our mental health and be better prepared should we face troubled times? Be proactive by looking after our mental health!
“Mental health is about mental wellness; we all have mental health. Mental illness is when someone is diagnosed with a mental disorder. ”
How to look after your mental health
Because a mental illness or mental health disorder affects how we think, feel, behave, or interact with others, maintaining good mental health is vital.
Here are some tips on how to maintain good mental health:
Get moving: Exercise is a proven way to reduce depression, anxiety, negative moods, and promote overall good health. As a bonus, it can also improve self-esteem and boost cerebral blood flow to enhance cognitive function!
Drink sensibly: Yes, everything we put in our mouths is a choice, and for most people, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional alcoholic beverage. However, those with a mental illness are often prone to addictive behaviour. If you know something (like alcohol) may trigger undesirable behaviour or lead you down a slippery slope, then you may better off without.
Stay connected: It’s important to know that you have a strong support system around you - full of people who love and care for you; people who are concerned about your health. Surround yourself with these people and stay connected to them - go for a walk together, share a meal, chat on the phone. Whatever you do, do not lose touch with others; isolation can be a killer.
Talk about it: Talking about your feelings can help you maintain good mental health. So, if you are struggling, find someone you trust who you can talk to and open up to - even if that means reaching out to a professional. Do not let problems or negative thoughts build to the point where they become overwhelming. It can be helpful to have a sounding board and someone to help you deal with troubled times.
Ask for help: You do not have to navigate the world on your own! When tasks feel overwhelming, do not be afraid to ask for support. Having a solid support system you know you can rely on will make things easier and a little less overwhelming. There is no shame in asking for help!
Set a schedule: Maintaining a schedule or routine can help keep things predictable and manageable. Our brains like routine and safety, so people who struggle with mental illness often benefit from creating and sticking to a routine.
Focus on what you like: Focus your time and energy on things that you enjoy and can do well - it can give you something to look forward to and boost your self-esteem at the same time. Participating in activities you enjoy can also boost serotonin levels to keep you happy and motivated.
Accept your uniqueness: We are all different. Be proud of and accept who you are. Do not compare yourself with others, but rather focus on you and what you do well. When we feel good about ourselves, we are much more likely to have higher self-esteem and greater confidence to learn new things, explore new surroundings, and make new friends. Plus, having greater self-esteem will enable us to better cope with life’s speed bumps as they arise.
And of course, eat well! There is a strong link between how we feel and what we eat!
Focus your diet on healthy, whole, nutrient-dense foods. These are foods loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein that will keep your blood sugar levels stable and your brain balanced.
If you’re not sure where to start, an excellent place to begin is by adding a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, wild fish, ample pure water, and quality sources of protein to your diet.
For more ideas on what to feed your brain, check back next week as we dive further into foods that support proper brain health and that may help you regain control over your mental wellness.
And if you need nutritional support when dealing with either a mental illness or any other kind of illness, I’m here for you. If I can help you or a loved one with your nutritional needs, make an appointment to see me today!
Summary
No one is immune to mental illness.
Any one of us, in any circumstance or time of life may experience a mental illness. But making an effort to support your mental wellness in general, can go a long way in helping you navigate life should a mental illness present itself.
Despite lingering stigmas in society, a mental illness is no one’s fault - nor is it a sign that someone is weak. It is, like any other illness, just that - an illness. As such, a mental illness is manageable and, in many cases, with appropriate care, treatable.
So please, take control of your health - both physical and mental, and seek out support if you struggle with either.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and value your feedback. Let me know what you think by dropping me a line or commenting below.
I look forward to hearing from you!
[Medical Disclaimer]
All information contained in this document is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent health problems. For all serious health issues, please contact a medical or nutrition practitioner. The information provided is based on the best knowledge of the author at the time of writing, and we do not assume liability for the information, be it direct or indirect, consequential, special exemplary, or other damages. In all circumstances, it is always wise to consult your physician before changing your diet, taking supplements, or starting any exercise or health program.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-624-x/2013001/article/11855-eng.pdf
https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/mental_health_report_aug22_2007_e.pdf