Mental health vs Mental illness

Most people struggle with mental health issues from time to time, whether it’s caused by work related stress, financial issues or relationship strain. And, while it can be helpful to take a mental health day away from work or study when things get overwhelming, how do you know when your stress has become something more serious?

 

It is important to understand the difference between mental illness and mental health issues. A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with other people, all while causing significant distress. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria which are based on symptoms, and includes a range of conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The most recent national survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found nearly half of all Australians will have a mental illness in their lifetime, while one in five had a mental illness in the previous 12 months.

 

 

Mental health issues also affect a person’s ability to think, feel and relate to others but the symptoms may not be as severe or protracted. Mental health issues are more common compared to mental illness because they are usually a reaction to a temporary moment in a person’s life, like stress. However, if left untreated it may become a mental illness, which is more severe, lasts longer and is more difficult to treat. Therefore, it’s important to seek treatment for mental health issues before they become bigger problems.

 

People often only seek help once their mental health issues have become a mental illness. There are some simple ways to take care of your mental health and improve your ability to cope with life’s stressors.

  1. Social connectedness

Healthy relationships support good mental health, while being socially isolated or not having supportive relationships can negatively impact your mental health issues. Having even one person to confide in about your stresses, whether they be work related or otherwise can reduce your stress levels and improve your mood. While helping other people with their problems, either through supporting a loved one or volunteering for those less fortunate can also help change your perception of your own issues.

  1. Physical wellbeing

Improving your physical health and wellness also has a big impact on your mental health. A healthy diet, regular exercise and good quality sleep are all inextricably linked to our mental health and can help to reduce the risk of depression.

  1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a technique used to anchor your thoughts in the present moment. Much of our distress is based on worrying about the future or ruminating about the past. Therefore, if you can bring your awareness to the present and observe your thoughts, rather than judge them or assume that they are always true, you can reduce stress and protect against developing an anxiety disorder. Mindfulness can be practised in small moments during the day or as meditation.

  1. Stress management

Managing stress is important for good mental health. Beyond Blue provides resources and recommendations on how to manage and reduce stress https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/reducing-stress. If these techniques aren’t working, or you’re finding it difficult to implement changes in your life, then perhaps it is time to seek help from a professional.

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