Mental Health vs. Mental Illness: Understanding the Difference and How Counselling Can Help

‘Is something wrong with me if I am seeking counselling?’

This is a question I am often asked when my clients meet me for the first time. Of course as a counsellor, my answer would be a resounding ‘NO’. I can completely relate to the anguish people feel when they decide to seek counselling. As seeking counselling is often linked to the ‘need to fix’ something; however, I believe this is a major misconception. Counselling is about empowering you to manage your well-being and build resilience. Counselling can certainly help with various concerns affecting mental well-being and an individual’s functioning, but the ultimate goal is not to fix a person; it is to aid someone in reducing signs of distress to enhance mental health.

The confusion also arises as mental health and mental illness are terms that are often used interchangeably, despite their differences. So let’s explore the realm of mental health versus mental illness and observe how counselling can aids in each of these realms.

Mental health commonly relates to an individual’s overall well-being, where emotional, psychological, and social functioning are vital in determining a person’s well-being. High levels of functioning in these areas would suggest that the individual’s mental well-being is optimal. Mental health encompasses how people think, feel, and behave and it directly impacts how they handle stress, relate to others and make decisions. Another important aspect of mental well-being is that it exists on a continuum and good mental well-being is not simply the absence of mental illness but includes overall well-being and functioning. It is also essential to maintain mental well-being through practices such as stress management, healthy relationships, self-care and adequate sleep.

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Mental illness on the other hand refers to a range of diagnosable mental health disorders which consists of disorders related to anxiety, mood, personality and neurodevelopmental and psychotic disorders. These disorders impact mood, thinking and behaviour and can cause significant distress and impair daily functioning. Mental illnesses are diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Once provided with a diagnosis an individual can seek professional help which can include therapy, medications and interventions. Compared to mental well-being, mental illnesses significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, relationships, and ability to function in daily activities.

Now that we have established a clear distinction between mental well-being and mental illness. Here’s how seeking a counsellor can help sustain our mental well-being. Counselling can assist in enhancing self-awareness and acquiring insight into one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, nurturing a deeper understanding of oneself. Counsellors also provide tools to enhance coping skills that help manage stress, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Counselling thus promotes personal growth by improving self-esteem and developing a positive outlook on life. It also assists in strengthening relationships as therapy can help improve communication skills, resolve conflicts, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Lastly, regular counselling can help maintain mental well-being by addressing issues before they escalate into more serious problems. Similarly, counselling can play a significant role in addressing mental illnesses and alleviating symptoms of distress caused by the said mental illnesses. In counselling you learn strategies and techniques to cope with the illness. In my opinion, the most important aid that counselling offers is a confidential and non-judgmental space where individuals can express their feelings, explore difficult emotions, and work through challenges. Having access to such a safe and non-judgmental space can support recovery by helping individuals develop coping strategies, address underlying issues, and work towards long-term wellness. While counsellors do not prescribe medications, they can work in collaboration with psychiatrists and other mental health professionals to provide holistic care to support medication adherence and manage side effects. Along with medication management support, counsellors mainly use various therapeutic approaches like trauma-informed care and a person-centred approach to help the client identify their concerns and work towards what the client wishes to achieve in the counselling sessions.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by exploring the benefits of counselling. Schedule your initial session today and start your journey to improved mental health.