Introduction to Mental Illness

Learn the difference between mental health and mental illness, warning signs, how to reach out for help, and how to be an ally.

Mental Illness Intro

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

Written by Violaine Guéritault, Ph.D.

Now, more than ever before, people are aware of how essential it is to talk about mental health and mental illness in an open and respectful manner. You might have heard these terms often, maybe even more often since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic. You might also wonder what they mean and ask yourself what is the difference between mental health and mental illness. And while thinking about your own experience, you may also be wondering if feeling sad or unhappy is a sign of mental illness. These are excellent questions to ask yourself. They are very normal and completely appropriate.

So, what is mental health? What is mental illness? In what way are they connected? The same way we all have physical health, we also all have mental health. Your physical health is the state of your body, while your mental health is the state of your mind, feelings, and emotions. Let’s have a quick look at what each of those terms refers to:

  1. Mental health is made up of your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and behave. It also governs how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
  2. Mental illness refers to a specific and diagnosable medical condition that involves changes in your emotions, thinking, and/or behavior.

It’s important to note that mental health and mental illness tend to be used as if they mean the same thing, but that is not the case. Not all people will experience mental illness in their lifetime, but everyone will encounter some challenges with their mental wellbeing the same way we will all have, now and then, challenges with our physical well-being. Mental illness is not the same as feeling sad, unhappy, or stressed. It refers to a state that causes intense distress and that affects a person’s ability to function over a long period of time. Mental illness does not show up overnight. There are warning signs that you should be aware of because they can be a sign that either you or someone you care about may be developing a mental illness.

Warning Signs of Mental Illness
  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Feeling excessively sad or down
  • Extreme mood swings, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria alternating with periods of feeling down and depressed
  • Change in sleep patterns, frequent complaints of feeling tired, feeling restless
  • Experiencing many or frequent physical symptoms, ie: headaches, fatigue, stomach aches, etc
  • Yelling and fighting with family and friends
  • Withdrawal and avoiding friends and social activities
  • Thinking about suicide
  • Strong feelings of anger or irritability
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs
  • Thinking of harming yourself or someone else
  • Having persistent thoughts or memories that can’t get out of your head
  • Excessive thoughts about weight gain, food consumption, or body image/ self-esteem tied to appearance
I need help.

If you think you are experiencing a mental health challenge, the first thing you need to know is that you are NOT alone, even if it feels like you are. You can easily have access to the support and the help you need and deserve. Reaching out for help requires courage because of the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds mental illness. But you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed of asking for help. If anything, you should be proud of yourself for doing so because it means that you have the courage to take that first step in getting better and making a change in your life. Look at asking for mental health care the same way you’d look at seeing a doctor for a physical health problem.

The moment you’re ready to ask for help, know that different options are available to you:

#1 Reach out to a trusted adult

Telling a trusted adult what you are going through is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It can be a parent, caregiver,  or relative, but not necessarily so. It can also be a friend, a teacher or coach, a faith leader, a guidance counselor, or a school psychologist/social worker. You can talk to them in person or if you are not yet ready to do so, email them or write them a letter. They’ll be glad you’ve reached out to them for help and they will support you in taking the next steps.

#2 Join a preteen or teen support group

Attending a preteen or teen support group will help you realize that you are not alone and that other preteens or teens are going through the same or similar things as you are, and that is very reassuring and empowering. You can search the Psychology Today support group database to find one in your area www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/adolescents-teenagers-14-to-19

#3 Finding a Therapist

What is going to therapy actually like? Therapy may feel awkward at first, and that is totally understandable. You’re going into an office and sharing personal information about yourself, sometimes secrets, with a total stranger. Therapists often begin with intake paperwork. It is helpful to be as honest as possible so they can have the best understanding of how to help. That said, remember that there is no expectation about what you share or when. Some people may feel totally comfortable telling their therapist every detail about themselves on the very first visit, while other people require a little more time to become comfortable. Take your time, go at your own pace. Be sure to ask your therapist about confidentiality. What can you expect from them in terms of respecting your privacy? What will they tell your parent/caregiver?

Insider Tip: Most therapists have been in therapy themselves, so though they may not understand your exact experiences, they can empathize with feelings of nervousness or ambivalence.  Remember, as important as treatment modalities are, it is equally important that your therapist is a good fit for you in terms of personality, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion, and/or beliefs. Sometimes finding the right therapist takes a little time.

#4 Call a hotline to get support

If you’re feeling suicidal or feel you want to hurt yourself, do not hesitate to immediately call 911 or the appropriate hotline. The people who will answer are there for you 24/7 and will help talk you through things when you feel you’re at the end of your rope.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1(800) 273-8255 – https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

National Crisis Support
1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255)

There are also specialized helplines for specific needs such as:

Love is Respect Helpline ( for victims of abuse): 1 (866) 331-9474
www.loveisrespect.org

National Eating Disorder Association Helpline: 1 (800) 931-2237
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

The Trevor Project (for LGBTQIA+): 1 (866) 488-7386
www.thetrevorproject.org

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine provides the one-on-one help and information necessary to tackle tough challenges that you, your family, or friends are facing. Contact the NAMI HelpLine to find out what services and supports are available in your community, or text NAMI at 741741.

Resources

National Provider Finder
www.psychologytoday.com

Teen Counseling
https://www.teencounseling.com/

Therapy for Black Girls
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

Latinx Therapists & Speakers
latinxtherapy.com

Asian and Pacific Islander Therapist Finder
www.asianmhc.org

Samaritans
Text: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)

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