Mental Health vs. Illness

Part of the stigma around mental health is the association of conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar.

In a blog on YoungMinds by Dr Aaron Balick looks at the artificial distinction between mental health and illness. He says that mental illness needs to be thought about differently - "less of a 'them' and 'us', and more as a variety of human experience" - we all lie somewhere on the spectrum between mental health and illness.

One point I think is important to make is that mental health should be considered in the wider context of 'good mental health'. Even people not suffering depression or anxiety can take steps to improve their mental health, in the same way we approach our physical health. It would be good to see steps being taken to prevent development of poor mental health and to sustain good mental health!