Mental health problems, mental distress, mental illness, mental disorder: these words are thrown around generously these days on all kinds of platforms. But what do they mean? What’s the difference between them? Who can treat or help people with these conditions.
This is not merely semantics; it is an important distinction to know. When people are not informed of the meaning and differences between them, the suffering of the people struggling with these problems tends to get either underplayed or exaggerated. Too, loved ones do not know whether, how and where to get help for the suffering person.
‘Mental health problems’ is an umbrella term that can describe anything from worries we all experience at some point in our lives to serious long-term conditions such as mental illness or disorders. Mental health problems can result from an external stressor in the individual’s life such as work or relationship troubles, or from genetic factors such as brain chemistry and personality.
‘Mental distress’ refers to troubles that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. The mere presence of anxiety or a depressive mood is not a mental illness or disorder. It is called distress, and is a normal part of human life. This does not, however, mean that people undergoing mental distress do not need help, or that their suffering is not real. It also does not mean that what they experience can simply be ‘willed away,’ which is a common myth regarding all mental health problems. The Health and Wellbeing Changes Organization defines mental distress as: “A disturbing or unpleasant mental or emotional state, such as fear, anxiety, depression, confusion, mood swings … often impairing your ability to cope with day- to-day living.” Distinguishing between mental distress and mental illness/disorder is often beyond the ability of untrained individuals. The best and safest way is to get help from a qualified professional. ‘Mental illness’ and ‘mental disorder’ are terms that can be used interchangeably. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines mental illness as “health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.” They include depression, anxiety disorders such as OCD, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorders, among others. People struggling with either mental distress or mental illness need qualified individuals to help them. The qualifications required to treat or help such individuals differ from country to country. In India, with the field of psychology still being in its growing phase, there can be a lot of confusion over this matter. Those who hold at least a Master’s Degree in either Clinical Psychology or Counselling (preferably not a masters in just Psychology, as that has a different focus), with additional training or experience, are a safe option. However, there are others who have had less standard training and education in psychology but extensive experience, who might be of some help in places where qualified help is not an option even withonline counseling. Whatever the case, it is a good idea to inquire into the credentials of an individual claiming to be a mental health practitioner of any kind.
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