What do we mean by ‘mental health’ and how is it different to ‘wellbeing’?
‘Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.’
© World Health Organisation, ‘Mental Health’, [source]
‘Mental wellbeing doesn’t have one set meaning. We might use it to talk about how we feel, how well we’re coping with daily life or what feels possible at the moment.
Good mental wellbeing doesn’t mean that you’re always happy. Or that you’re unaffected by your experiences.
And having good wellbeing doesn’t always mean that you don’t have a mental health problem.
You may live with a mental health problem, but have good wellbeing right now. Or you might not have a mental health problem, but be struggling with your wellbeing at the moment.’
© Mind, ‘How to improve your mental wellbeing’, [source]