五月是心理健康宣传月, a national campaign designed to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health issues and mental illness are common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 60 million U.S. adults lived with mental illness in 2021.

Your mental health is as important to your overall well-being as your physical health, 但这一点经常被忽视. Similarly, mental illness often goes untreated or undiscussed. According to Mental Health America, over half of adults with mental illness don’t receive treatment.

Although mental health and mental illness are related, they aren’t the same. Mental illness can contribute to poor mental health and vice versa, but it’s possible to have poor mental health without a diagnosable mental illness just as it’s possible to have good mental health with a mental illness. This article explains the difference between mental health and mental illness.

了解心理健康

Mental health describes your psychological state of well-being. This includes how you feel, think and interact with others. But your mental health doesn’t just impact your mood and cognition; it also affects your physical health. Poor mental health can cause digestive issues, 头痛, 失眠, 疲劳和其他身体症状.

Everybody has mental health, just like everyone has physical health. Your mental health can change over time and may be influenced by numerous factors, including:

• 压力
• 倦怠
• 悲伤
• 身体或精神疲劳
• 经济困难
• 身体健康

Although mental health may look different for everyone, it’s often measured by one’s ability to:

• 应对压力、变化和逆境
• 维持健康的人际关系
• Participate in productive activities (e.g.(学校和工作)

Poor mental health can develop into mental illness if symptoms are unmanaged. This can cause distress and the inability to function in everyday activities.  

改善心理健康

Just like physical health, mental health can be improved with positive lifestyle choices. The following are ways to better your mental health and improve your overall well-being:

• Practice relaxation exercises, such as meditation, journaling and listening to music.
• 为那些能让你振奋的人腾出时间.
• Take part in meaningful activities, such as volunteering or joining a recreational sports club.
• 花时间在户外.
• Take care of your body by exercising, eating well and getting adequate sleep.

Speak to a professional if you need someone to talk to. Even if you feel fine, they can help you proactively manage your mental health. 

了解精神疾病

A mental illness is a diagnosable health condition that changes the way you think, feel or act. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental illness is one of the most commonly diagnosed health conditions in the United States, 每年影响五分之一的美国人. Even if you don’t have a mental illness, 它们会影响你周围的人, 包括你的朋友, 家人和同事.

Similar to physical health conditions, mental illness can take many forms and range in severity. Examples of common mental illnesses include:

• 抑郁障碍
• 焦虑性障碍
• 创伤后应激障碍
• 强迫症
• 物质使用障碍
• 双相情感障碍
• 精神分裂症疾病

Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. The following factors may increase the risk of developing a mental illness in your lifetime:

• 遗传学
• 酗酒或吸毒
• 创伤或虐待
• 其他慢性疾病(如.g.(囊性纤维化或癌症)
• 孤独

管理精神疾病

Mental illness is treatable and can be alleviated. 取决于你的情况, successfully managing a mental illness may include a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and professional treatment. 

Here are some ways mental illness may be treated:

• 谈话疗法
• 药物治疗
• 支持团体
• 锻炼
• 选择健康的生活方式(如.g.(吃好睡好)

You don’t have to suffer with a mental illness alone. Seek professional support immediately if you’re struggling with a mental illness. You can also check with your employer for more information on available resources, 比如员工援助计划.

结论

Everyone can take steps to better their mental health, but some mental illness is unpreventable. Understanding the difference between mental health and mental illness is crucial to ensure you get the proper support for your needs.  

For further mental health assistance, contact 桑福德 & Tatum, a Alera集团公司. 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. ©2023 Zywave, Inc. 版权所有.