Mental Health is Health

Mental Health and Mental Illness

To understand this better we should start by distinguishing between Mental Health vs Mental Illness. Mental health and mental illness are not the same thing, but are often used interchangeably. 

Mental health, just like other types of health like physical health, is used to describe a state of well-being. Mental health includes emotions, thoughts, personal connections and coping strategies (1). 

All people have mental health and at times may encounter things in life that impact their well-being. This does not mean they have a mental illness. 

Every year 1 in 5 people in Canada experience mental health problems or illness (2). Everyone can experience mental illness, but often prevalence is worsened by systemic inequalities. By age 40, approximately 50% of the population will have (or had) a mental illness (2). 

Navigating the Storm 

Just as weather patterns fluctuate, so too do our mental states. Using a weather analogy…

Mental health resembles the overall climate of a region. It encompasses long-term patterns of emotional well-being, resilience, and stability. Much like a temperate climate with balanced seasons, good mental health fosters a sense of equilibrium, contentment, and adaptability to life’s challenges. 

Picture clear skies, gentle breezes, and comfortable temperatures—a state where emotions are manageable, thoughts are clear, and connections with others are fulfilling. Poor mental health might be unfavourable weather conditions – imagine perpetual fog where clarity and direction are obscured, and moving through the fog feels uncertain.

Contrastingly, 

Mental illness can be likened to sudden and severe weather events such as storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes. These disruptions to the usual climate may bring turmoil and unpredictability. 

Mental illness manifests in various forms, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Like storms brewing on the horizon, mental illness can darken our mental landscape, causing distress, impairing daily functioning, and affecting relationships and overall quality of life.

It is important to note that experiencing mental illness does not equate to poor mental health. Nor does good mental health guarantee immunity from mental illness. Each individual’s journey is unique. 

Just as weather patterns change, so too can our mental states fluctuate over time.

Take care of your mental health. Book a free consultation with a therapist today.

Resources:
Mental Health Facts in Canada

World Health Organization- Mental Health

References: 

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. (2020, June 22). About mental health. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/about-mental-health.html 
2. CAHM. (2024). Mental illness and addiction: Facts and statistics. https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics