Today, more than ever, we talk about mental health and mental well-being. And that is having a positive impact. A mental health issue will affect one in four persons at some point in their lives. Therefore, the stigma associated with it lessens the more we talk about it.

However, as the discussion continues, you might have noticed that certain terms—such as mental health and mental wellness—continue to be used in conjunction with one another or interchangeably. But do these two differ from one another? Which one ought you to employ? Or do they not refer to the same thing?

Let’s first clarify the meaning of the terminologies before breaking it down for you.

What Is Mental Health?

The absence of mental illness is not the exclusive definition of mental health, according to the World Health Organization. It is defined as a condition of well-being in which every individual realizes their full potential. The place where a person is is known as

• able to handle the stresses of daily life
• able to work efficiently and effectively,
• capable of improving their environment, etc.

The word “mental health” is a catch-all that refers to many different aspects. On one extreme, it ranges from mental well-being to a variety of mental health concerns.

In the same way that everyone has a physical state of health, everyone also has a mental state of health.

A person may or may not be experiencing a mental illness based only on their current condition of mental health. Mental health varies with the state. Our physical condition, environment, and relationships all have an impact on it. The ones that have a favorable impact on mental health are protective factors. Negative elements including environmental changes, stress, and worry may cause problems with mental health.

What Is Mental Wellness

The phrase “mental wellness” is entwined with the idea of mental health. Therefore, mental wellness is a component of mental health.

Let’s first discuss what mental wellness isn’t before discussing what it is.

It does not entail the absence of mental illness or an unchanging condition of bliss.

Then, what is it in reality?

In other instances, it’s the complete opposite.

Positive mental health is referred to as mental wellness. It is a stage of psychological and emotional health. When a person can perform at their peak level in terms of both their emotional and mental capacities, that person is said to be mentally healthy.

The capacity to feel, think, evaluate, and react is a sign of mental soundness.

Growth is a constant process. It has the following features:

Mental: It refers to how you reason and comprehend.

Emotional: This involves your feelings.

Social: It encompasses your responses to others and your environment.

Psychological: This involves your decision-making process.

Nearly 15% of people worldwide are affected by mental illness. But that doesn’t make the remaining 85% of the population psychologically fit. Even without mental illnesses, many people nevertheless struggle to function normally. They also struggle with other issues like loneliness or stress.

The way you choose to react to challenges is a sign of mental wellness. It is the result of development, acceptance of oneself, and a commitment to living life fully.

Use these self-care suggestions to start working toward your mental wellness right away.

What Is The Difference Between Mental Health And Mental Wellness?

Do mental wellness and mental health differ from one another? Yes and no, I suppose.

Think about physical health like you would mental health. Everybody is on a spectrum. Our daily health (nutrition, sleep, exercise, etc.) is on one end of the spectrum, while diagnosable illnesses are on the other. The same holds for mental wellness. On one end, we have regular mental health issues that we all experience (mood swings, stress, etc.), and on the other end, we have mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

When individuals discuss mental well-being, they typically mean mental health in the normal sense. Instead of discussing the full spectrum of mental health, which also includes disorders, they are talking about the things we experience regularly, such as burnout and workplace stress.

When it comes to mental health, do words matter?

When it comes to the distinctions between well-being and mental health, an individual could choose one over the other when discussing their lives. And it’s their decision. No matter how useful you find it, it’s crucial to avoid pressuring people into labelling anything they aren’t ready to.

It’s crucial to take the full range of mental health into account. We end up downplaying the severity and reality of mental diseases because we are so preoccupied with “everyday” mental health and self-help advice. To overcome the obstacles that people with mental diseases encounter, they may need professional assistance.

Take time to hear other people’s tales. Respect their terminology and consider what suits you. It’s up to you. When referring to oneself, you might use the terms “mental health” and “wellness” interchangeably or favor one over the other.

The most crucial thing is, to be honest with one another about our struggles. It involves understanding how our environment and behaviors affect us and identifying the aspects of our lives that bring us joy. A crucial component of discussions about mental health is being able to identify the boundaries we must set up to establish a safe environment for ourselves.

Therefore, it’s important to have a conversation, no matter what you choose to discuss.