The Subtle Differences Between Mental Health and Mental Illness

While a precise definition of mental health is somewhat difficult to formulate, it is generally characterized as a state of being in which one is able to deal with and ultimately grow from the many life changes that occur over time. Everyone experiences trauma, grief, fear and loss during their life, but a mentally healthy person doesn’t repress these feelings. Rather, they accept and try to understand them as they go about the business of everyday life. They seem to understand that this too will pass.” In other words, they roll with the punches.

Mental illness, by contrast, is characterized by an inability to cope with everyday life, whether working through some sort of trauma or not. In extreme cases, the sufferer’s reality is turned inside out, causing their mental projections to be interpreted as real. The problem is evidenced by various psychological symptoms, each of which can have paralyzing effects and affect physical wellbeing. The differences between the two states of mind can be subtle; however, practitioners of psychiatry are well trained in diagnosing mental illness, should that be the case with someone seemingly unable to cope with a situation that has arisen.

Based on calculations of the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that one out of every ten Americans suffers from some type of diagnosable mental illness. Those who suffer are unable to function on a normal level in some situations, that is, in a manner consistent with the majority of people. There are many types of mental illness, and severe cases often require treatment from a psychiatrist, as they – unlike psychologists – are able to run diagnostic tests to rule out a medical cause for abnormal behavior, and once diagnosed, are legally authorized to prescribe medication, should it be necessary to help an individual function. The most severe types of mental illness include:

*Schizophrenia

*Manic-depressive or bipolar illness

*Major depression

*Anxiety disorders including OCD, PTSD and phobias

Diagnosing a mental illness can be difficult given the reliance upon the subjective descriptions of the patient. A psychiatrist has no standard tests at their disposal. He or she must determine if the symptoms described or observed in a patient meet the criteria of measured excesses or deficits regarding thoughts, feelings and behavior. They cannot simply say, ‘this person does or thinks that, therefore they have this’. In other words, what is normal for one may be abnormal for another.

Other issues surrounding mental illness such as causes and morbidity rates are also unresolved. Biological disorders are thought to be a major cause of schizophrenia. Genetic predisposition, prenatal trauma, brain injury, even certain infections are thought to be factors. There is also evidence of a relationship between severe mental illness and other diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and substance abuse. Reasons for co-morbidity range from ignorance of or refusal to adhere to basic principles of hygiene or disease prevention to poor health caused in part by living in poverty.

Some diseases such as bipolar illness and schizophrenia may require lifelong treatment, but a measure of relief is possible. While one in five recover from schizophrenia, one in ten commit suicide. With bipolar disorder, true recovery rates are hard to gauge since as many as half of all sufferers who seek treatment quit taking prescribed medication after a year. With depression and the various anxiety disorders, full recovery is possible. By combining cognitive behavioral therapy with a healthy lifestyle and support from family and friends – and medication, if appropriate – people can regain control of their thought processes and emotions.

There is a fine line between a healthy mind and one that is ill. Diagnosis can be a challenge, and once a psychiatrist has a good idea of what is going on, curing the disease requires an individualized therapeutic approach and a willingness on the part of the sufferer to improve. Mental illness, like most health conditions, is best treated as early as possible to garner the best cure rates for those who are affected. This is why help from a skilled psychiatrist can yield profoundly positive results.

Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Copyrights Reserved.

Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends a Las Vegas psychiatristto help diagnose and treat anxiety disorders, substance abuse, depression, or any combination of these mental health issues. Dr Zedek brings more than 12 years of experience treating a range of mental health issues for patients in and around Las Vegas, Nevada.