Same/Similar:
·
Both involve our
thoughts, feelings, behaviors, reactions, and how we cope with life.
·
Everyone has mental
health, just like we all have physical health.
·
Both mental health and
mental illness can affect daily life, relationships, and work.
Different:
·
Mental health is a state
of well-being—when we can manage our feelings, face life’s ups and downs, and
function well.
·
Mental illness is a
diagnosed condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, or
relates to others—such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Mental Health as a
Positive State
Good mental health can
look like:
·
Making positive choices
(e.g., healthy eating, exercise, sleep).
·
Feeling content or
balanced.
·
Having strong
friendships, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling work or activities.
Mental Health as
Fluctuating
Mental health is not
fixed. Everyone has times of:
·
Feeling up or down.
·
Grieving, struggling, or
coping with life changes—like the death of a loved one, a breakup, job loss, or
health issues.
·
Feeling “not like
themselves,” even without a clear reason.
Personal Reflection:
“I know myself—when I feel low, whether there’s a reason or not, it can feel
like the negativity is never going to end. But when I come out of it, I often
wonder what it was all about. It’s easier said than done, I know. If you're
feeling down for longer than usual, it might be time to reach out for support.”
Mental Illness as
Impaired Functioning
Mental illness can mean:
·
Life feels consistently
overwhelming or emotionally painful.
·
Difficulty managing
daily life—e.g., work, finances, self-care, or relationships.
·
Using unhealthy coping
methods like overeating, substance use, or withdrawal.
Sometimes mental
illness:
·
Has a clear cause (e.g.,
trauma, stress, grief).
·
Comes without warning,
where feelings of sadness, fear, or confusion seem to appear from nowhere.
Mental Health and
Illness: A Continuum
·
Mental health and mental
illness are not opposites—they exist on a continuum.
·
You can have a diagnosed
mental illness and experience good mental health with the right support.
·
Emotional ups and downs
are part of life for everyone—but the difference in mental illness is the intensity,
duration, and effect on functioning.
The Role of Life
Circumstances
·
Both mental health and
illness are shaped by life events.
·
Those with mental
illness may be more vulnerable to stress or life changes.
·
Physical health
conditions or disabilities can affect sleep and increase mental distress.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Stigma and Privacy
·
Many people feel it’s
“nobody else’s business” or worry about being judged or misunderstood.
·
They may not want to
“burden” others or fear appearing weak.
Trust and Safety
·
Reaching out requires
feeling safe and listened to.
·
Who we choose to speak
to—whether a friend, family member, or professional—can make a big difference.
Gender and Social
Expectations
·
Historically, boys and
men have been taught to hide their emotions.
·
These outdated ideas
still exist today and can stop people from seeking help.
·
But everyone deserves
the space to express their feelings and get support.
The Reality of Mental
Illness
It Is Serious but
Manageable
·
Mental illness can be
dangerous if untreated—but with the right care, support, and effort, it can be
managed.
·
Recovery looks different
for everyone, and that's okay.
It Doesn’t Always “Look”
Like Illness
·
Someone with mental
illness can still laugh, smile, and enjoy things.
·
Many people hide their
struggles well—never assume based on appearances.
It’s Not an Excuse for
Harm
·
Mental illness doesn’t
excuse harmful behavior.
·
However, harmful actions
are often unintentional and happen when someone is unwell and not getting
support.
In Summary
·
Mental health is
something we all have, and it changes over time.
·
Mental illness is not a
personal failure. It’s a medical condition that can be treated.
·
Everyone deserves
support, understanding, and hope.
·
Talking, listening, and
learning can break down stigma and help people heal.
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