We all have mental health, but the fact that some may have a mental health diagnosis cannot be denied. Mental health and general wellness go hand in hand, and mental illnesses are the conditions that lead to the reduced or limited functioning of one’s mental health.
It should be remembered that even though you are stressed does not mean you have a mental disorder. Also, being diagnosed with a mental illness does not automatically lead to your current mental health being subject to a negative state.
Am I “Crazy” if I Have a mental illness?
No, having a mental health disorder or illness does not mean you are crazy. Similar to not calling someone physically ill “crazy,” mental illness occurs for reasons affecting thoughts, feelings, or emotions due to external or internal factors. Just as physical health can affect mental state, mental health conditions can influence physical health. Both physical and mental health are equally important for overall well-being.
Referring to someone with a mental illness as “crazy” devalues their condition and discourages seeking help, exacerbating their suffering. This label, historically used to stigmatize mental health, contributes to the hesitation in seeking diagnosis and assistance. Taking mental health seriously, akin to any other physical illness, can encourage open discussions and eventually help more people address their mental health openly.
Is a mental illness an indication of poor mental health?
The rising number of suicides often stems from individuals hesitating to seek help due to associated embarrassment and shame. A study from The Ohio State University revealed that 90% of people who committed suicide had a mental illness. The stigmatization of these individuals as “crazy” or neglecting their pain contributes to many suicides. Instead of perpetuating this stigma, it is wiser to treat mental health seriously, promoting open conversations and understanding.
No, similar to having seasonal flu not indicating poor physical health, a mental health disorder or illness doesn’t necessarily mean poor mental health. For example, having an anxiety disorder may feel overwhelming, but with proper assistance, psychotherapies, and medication if needed, one can maintain good mental health while managing the disorder.
Moreover, having poor mental health doesn’t always mean having a mental illness. Being human involves experiencing a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, anger, tiredness, fatigue, and feeling emotionally drained. Experiencing these emotions does not necessarily indicate suffering from a mental illness. However, the absence of such emotions for an extended period may be an indication of an underlying mental disorder.
Poor Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: Unpacking the Differences
Mental illness is a clinically diagnosed disorder that disrupts an individual’s thinking, feeling, or behavioral functions to such an extent that they become incapable of fulfilling their basic responsibilities. It involves various psychopathologic conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and so on. These conditions are diagnosed based on the presence of consistent patterns of symptomatic behaviors that significantly affect the individual’s ability to function properly or cause significant distress.
The term “poor mental health” is used when someone is suffering from the state of being unhappy in their life. It may or may not be a diagnosable mental illness. It is possible that stress, sadness, anxiety, or weariness can arise due to predictable life circumstances and related stresses.
Depending on the specific cause, poor mental health could be a temporary reaction to circumstances (e.g. job stress, relationship problems, and grief), which might not necessitate medical treatment. It is variable and influenced by many factors, such as past events and the current situation.
Bettering poor mental health can be achieved through self-care techniques, support from friends and family, possibly modification of lifestyle (for example, exercise and nutrition), or seeking professional help for coping strategies, even though it would not be a reason for the necessity of medical treatment for a mental illness.
