| Aspect | Mental Health | Mental Illness |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Refers to the overall well-being of an individual's mind and cognitive functions. It involves emotional, psychological, and social aspects, encompassing resilience, coping, and stress management. | Encompasses diagnosable conditions that significantly disrupt an individual's thinking, feeling, mood, behavior, or ability to relate to others. Mental illnesses often require clinical diagnosis and treatment. |
| State vs. Disorder | Represents a continuum ranging from optimal mental well-being to minor challenges. Mental health can fluctuate based on life circumstances and stressors. | Denotes specific conditions characterized by clinically significant disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Mental illnesses are diagnosed based on established criteria. |
| Normal Variation | Mental health includes the normal variation in mental well-being experienced by individuals. It accommodates fluctuations in mood, stress, and coping. | Mental illness reflects conditions that deviate significantly from the expected range of mental functioning. It is not considered a normal part of the human experience. |
| Preventive Measures | Involves proactive measures to maintain and enhance mental well-being, such as self-care, stress management, social connections, and seeking support when needed. | Focuses on diagnosing and treating specific mental health disorders. While preventive measures exist, they often target individuals at risk or with early symptoms. |
| Examples | Examples include engaging in stress-reducing activities, maintaining healthy relationships, practicing mindfulness, and seeking emotional support. | Examples include conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other clinically recognized mental health disorders. |
| Stigma | Mental health is a broad and inclusive concept that promotes destigmatization by recognizing the spectrum of mental well-being. | Mental illness may be stigmatized due to misconceptions, stereotypes, and societal attitudes. Efforts aim to reduce stigma and promote understanding. |
| Treatment Focus | Focuses on promoting overall well-being and preventing mental health challenges. Treatment may involve counseling, psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, and support networks. | Focuses on diagnosing and treating specific mental health disorders using evidence-based interventions, including therapy, medication, and support services. |
| Individual Experience | Every individual has mental health, and the experience varies. It is a dynamic state influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and personal coping skills. | Mental illness is specific to individuals diagnosed with a recognized psychiatric disorder. It involves distress and impairment that go beyond typical variations in mental well-being. |
It's important to recognize that mental health and mental illness are related but distinct concepts. Mental health represents a broader spectrum, while mental illness refers to specific conditions that deviate significantly from optimal mental well-being. Efforts to promote mental health involve fostering resilience, coping skills, and social connections, while mental illness requires clinical diagnosis and appropriate treatment.