Mental Health versus
The term MENTAL HEALTH has different meanings for different people.
In Australia, the field of mental health describes an area of health that focuses on psychological, emotional and behavioural wellbeing of the population.
At HelpingMinds, we would like to differentiate between mental health and mental ill-health. Mental health refers to a balanced state of mind, whilst mental ill-health indicates that something is off-balance, off-centre and it is impacting on someone’s ability to live a normal life.
Mental ill-health is a broad term that includes both mental illnesses and mental health challenges.
What is a mental illness?
A mental health challenge or condition, is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, perceives, behaves and interacts with other people. It can include behavioural issues or problems processing thoughts that often causes significant distress or functional impairment.
A mental illness or disorder is classified more severe than a mental health challenge, problem or condition.
To learn more about some common mental health conditions, click on the links:
What is recovery?
Recovery is different for every person living with mental health challenges. Recovery is a process, sometimes ongoing and lifelong, defined and led by the person with the illness, through which they can achieve a meaningful and contributing life in the community.
Are you supporting a family member or friend
with a mental health challenge?
This can be a stressful, overwhelming and isolating experience.
Here is some more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to help yourself.
How to help your loved one
The best way to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, is to offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them.
Often, we have a strong desire to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ someone else’s problem, however this is not your role and should be left to a professional. The best thing you can do is to help them find an appropriate service though a GP, mental health phone line, mental health service or by searching online.
How to help yourself
Having someone close to you who lives with mental health challenges can be exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
HelpingMinds offers free and confidential support to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling, support groups, rest and revive activities, school holiday programs, family programs, youth programs and advocacy to people living in WA.
