Are Mental Health and Mental Illness the Same?

No. Mental health is a continuous state of emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing that everyone has. Mental illness refers to specific diagnosable conditions that significantly impair functioning. A person can have mental illness and still build mental health, and someone without a diagnosis can still have poor mental health.

Educational content only - not medical advice. In a crisis, call or text 988 (US) or your local emergency number. See crisis resources.