Mind Matters
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT CONCEPTS
Here are some definitions of the language we use to speak about mental health and well-being. It helps us work together from a space of shared understanding and meaning.
Mental health
Mental health is the general state of a person’s mental well-being. Similar to physical health, we all have a current state of mental health, which can change over time, and in response to the world. It’s also sometimes called “mental well-being”. Just like there are things we can do to improve our overall physical health, there are things we can do to improve our overall mental health in a way that works for us as individuals.
Social and emotional well-being
This term originated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is often preferred to “mental health”. It describes the social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual well-being of a person, and acknowledges the ways these can interact to impact a person’s well-being. The term also recognises the importance of connection to Country, and that policies (past and present), past and current events, social attitudes (such as racism), and intergenerational trauma can all impact an individual’s social and emotional well-being.
Mental distress
A term used to describe a negative experience a person may be having, rather than a diagnostic term. It can present at any point of the “wellness” to “illness” spectrum. Everyone will experience mental distress, not just people who have been given a mental health related diagnosis.
Mental ill-health
A state where our mental health negatively impacts on our ability to think, feel and respond to others. This may occur in response to life events and stressors and may resolve over time or when stress is reduced. However, if it is ongoing or worsening, it’s important to seek help in a way that is safe for you.
Mental illness
This term is generally best to avoid. Many people with lived experiences of mental ill-health don’t apply this term to themselves, it’s important to check with people what terms they prefer.
The term “mental illness” can add to social stigma surrounding mental health, so it’s important to understand what it refers to, and to avoid using it where possible.
Mental illness refers specifically to a clinical diagnosis. These diagnoses usually describe various mental health symptoms which can interfere with an individual’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities. The “illness” diagnosis-based medical model of mental health is only one way of understanding mental health.
Individuals who receive a diagnosis may strongly identify with their diagnosis as a way to understand themselves and find support, or they might not, as the diagnosis might not appropriately describe their experience.
Many people who have received diagnoses prefer not to use the term “mental illness” as it reduces complex experiences to a medical diagnosis.
Mental illnesses are diverse, and each can occur with a varying degree of severity.
The preferred term is “person/people with a lived experience of mental illness/mental ill-health” though if referring to an individual, check how they would like to be referred to.
It’s important to use person-first language, that is “person with a lived experience of mental ill health” rather than “mentally ill person”.
(Retrieved from: https://
Kelly Russell
School Counsellor