While some people may require specialist treatment for mental illness, everyone can benefit from strategies that improve mental health.
Mental health is not just about the absence of mental illnesses. Positive mental health is the combination of feeling well and performing well.
Mental illness vs mental health: what’s the difference?
Mental illness and mental health are two sides of one coin. Like physical health, mental health is a continuum from poor to excellent.
Some days, we feel more energetic and stronger than others. It is also natural that on some days, our mental health will be worse than on other days. At any given time, we may feel tired or grumpy. We might also be angry, anxious, depressed, happy, or sad. All of these emotions are normal and not indicative of mental illness.
A person with a serious mental illness may be in optimal mental health, but someone else could feel depressed or sad even if they don’t have a mental disorder.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between symptoms of mental illness and poor mental health. If poor mental health is affecting someone’s capacity to work, maintain meaningful relationships, and perform day-to-day tasks, this could be an indication of a mental illness that requires treatment.
Mental illness and mental health are two different things. Mental illness is not necessary to have a poor mental state. Keyes, 2002. Adapted from the supplied material.
What is positive mental health?
Mental health is much more than the absence of mental illness.
Feeling good and performing well are two important components of mental health. Important components include:
How can I improve my mental health?
Social, economic, genetic, and environmental factors influence your mental health. We need to improve mental health in society by addressing the social factors that influence poor mental health. These include poverty, economic instability, unemployment, low educational attainment, social disadvantage, homelessness, and social isolation.
Positive mental health is about being able to cope with daily challenges. Shutterstock
You can improve your mental health on an individual basis. The first step involves identifying the support networks you have and coping mechanisms that you have used in the past.
You can also do small things to improve your mental health to help you cope with difficult times.
Helping Others
Finding a form of activity or physical exercise that you enjoy is important (like Yoga).
getting good sleep
Choosing healthy foods
building positive relationships, establishing connections with others
Learn how to deal with stress
Having realistic expectations (nobody is always happy and positive)
Learn how to relax using meditation.
Counteracting negative or critical thinking
Doing activities that you enjoy will give you a feeling of accomplishment.
How can I tell if I require extra support?
Everyone has the right to optimal mental well-being, regardless of whether they have a mental disorder. These suggestions can improve your mental health. Support is available for those who are not sure where to begin.
These suggestions are not always enough to treat mental illness or distress when it interferes with daily life, studies, work, or relationships. Additional, individualized treatments may be required.
If you are unsure of the answer to RUOK? or if you or a loved one needs help, contacting your local GP can be a good first step. Your GP may refer you to a psychotherapist ex, exercise physiologist, or dietitian if you qualify.
