Mental health and mental illness are terms we often hear but might not fully understand. Although people sometimes use them interchangeably, they are different concepts.
Knowing the difference is crucial for understanding our own experiences and supporting those around us. Dr Litha Fatsha from the Advanced Specialist Healthcare Facilities Strategy Unit sheds light on this important topic.
What is mental health?
Mental health is about our overall psychological well-being. It includes how we think, feel, and behave daily. Good mental health helps us handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions.
Just like physical health, mental health is something we should care for and maintain.
Below are some signs of good mental health:
Emotional balance: Being able to manage your emotions, whether you’-re feeling happy, sad, or stressed.
Healthy relationships: Having fulfilling connections with friends, family, and co-workers.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change.
Positive self-esteem: Feeling good about yourself and your abilities.
Clear thinking: Being able to focus and make decisions effectively.
What is mental illness?
Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to specific diagnosable conditions that can affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. These conditions can disrupt daily life and require professional diagnosis and treatment.
Common mental illnesses include:
Depression: A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest.
Anxiety disorders: Conditions characterised by excessive fear or worry.
Bipolar disorder: A disorder causing extreme mood swings, from highs (mania) to lows (depression).
Schizophrenia: A severe disorder affecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A disorder characterised by unwanted, repetitive thoughts and actions.
Mental health and mental illness have become increasingly prominent topics in recent years. With growing awareness and more open discussions, it’s essential to understand the trends shaping these conversations.
One of the most significant trends is the increased awareness and reduced stigma around mental health. People are more open to discussing their mental health challenges, and there’s greater recognition that mental health is as important as physical health.
This shift is partly due to high-profile figures and celebrities sharing their own experiences, which helps normalise the conversation.
Social media plays a dual role in mental health. On the one hand, platforms like Instagram and TikTok can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among young people who compare themselves to seemingly perfect lives online.
On the other hand, social media has become a valuable tool for spreading awareness, offering support, and connecting individuals with resources. Mental health influencers and advocates use these platforms to share their stories and provide advice, creating online support communities.
In South Africa, the significance of mental illness as a public health issue cannot be overstated, explained Fatsha. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), one in three South Africans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
However, the stigma surrounding mental illness leads many to hesitate to seek help, resulting in delayed diagnoses and treatments that exacerbate these conditions.
Mental illness is often misunderstood and viewed as something to fear, a problem for someone else if one is not directly affected.
Sometimes it can be seen as a sign of weakness or personal failure, with many erroneously believing it is not a real illness or something that individuals can simply “snap out of”.
This pervasive stigma has far-reaching consequences, making it difficult for those affected to maintain relationships, fully engage in society, and secure employment, often leading to discrimination and social isolation.
Data from the Medscheme universe, an AfroCentric Group Company, over the last decade reveals a 27% increase in mental health prevalence based on claiming patterns, with depression rates surging by 38.7%.
Such statistics indicate the critical necessity of addressing mental health issues in South Africa.
Gender disparities in mental health are also evident, with women more likely to seek help and file claims for mental health illnesses at a prevalence of 16.5% compared to 11.2% for males.
This discrepancy can be attributed to societal expectations and gender norms that discourage men from seeking help for emotional distress. Similarly, depression shows a higher prevalence among females (9%) than males (5%).
Age-related trends in mental health
Age-related trends indicate that mental health prevalence peaks between the ages of 35-54, likely due to the pressures of work and family life, and another peak occurs after 75, potentially linked to loneliness and dementia-related mental illnesses.
These age-specific trends highlight the varying mental health challenges faced by different demographics.
“Despite the challenges, there are actionable steps to combat mental illness in South Africa. Education and awareness can play a pivotal role in reducing stigma. Improved access to mental health services and making them more affordable can ensure that more people receive the help they need.
“By providing comprehensive support to patients and their families, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society.”
As we collectively address these issues, we can pave the way for a society where mental health is prioritised, stigma is diminished, and everyone has access to the care necessary to thrive.
This holistic approach is essential for building a future where mental health is integrated into the broader health care agenda, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to live fulfilling and healthy lives.