Dr. K - Emotional Health Mentor

Let's do a quick word association. Let me know which words immediately come to mind when I say, "physical health".

Was it, diet? Exercise? Wellbeing?

Now what comes to mind when I say, "mental health".

Was it, anxiety? Depression? Stress?

How come when we say "mental health", the first things that often come to mind are mental illnesses? What's the difference between mental health…and mental illness? This week, I'm answering all that and more.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental illness are "health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities."

They go on to say that "mental health involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in productive activities (work, school, caregiving), healthy relationships, ability to adapt to change and cope with...