Spectrum of Mental Wellness
Healthy > Coping > Difficulties > Illness
Mental health consists of different states that we can experience separately or simultaneously:
- no mental distress, problems or disorder is feeling at ease, balanced, adapting to challenges, and enjoying our daily lives
- mental distress is the common, short-term responses to the stresses of everyday life
- a mental health problem is when one's ability to adapt is challenged by a serious environmental stressor; counselling and other support may be needed
- a mental disorder is diagnosed according to internationally accepted criteria; it requires evidence-based treatment from a health professional
These mental health states do not exist on a continuum, that is, mental distress does not develop in a mental disorder.
