Understanding Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues are often misunderstood. This is in part because mental health is a complex and personal topic, and in part, because many people do not understand what mental health is and what it is not.

Mental health is not the same as mental illness. Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to her or his community. Mental illness, on the other hand, is a diagnosable mental disorder.

Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness. Just as physical health is more than the absence of physical illness, mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. Mental health includes a state of well-being in which an individual is functioning at his or her best.

Mental health is not a single condition. Mental health includes a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mental health is not a sign of weakness. Mental health is a sign of strength. It takes courage to seek help for mental health issues, and it takes strength to continue to seek help and to work to improve one’s mental health.