Mental Health Vs. Mental Illness

We hear so much about Mental Illness on a regular basis. That is one of
those terms that is frequently thrown around. Actually, I don't care
for the term at all. Who wants to be told they have a Mental Illness?
I doubt many do.

I come from the perspective of Mental Health. Instead of concentrating
on illness or problems, I help my clients focus on the positives. Just
think, if a therapist focuses on the symptoms of Mental Illness, most of
the time and energy is spent discussing the problem, which is demotivating.

When the focus is on Mental Health, the time and energy is spent on
being healthy. Everyone has good things about their Mental Health. I
want to help my clients to build on what they already have.

If you look at the term Mental Illness, it implies that there is a
biological basis, which is causing a mental problem. Although some
people do have a biological basis for their problems, well over half of
my clients do not have any biologically based problems. Anyone's Mental
Health can suffer due to problems with family, work, friends, and other
stressors. Therefore, I stay away from the Mental Illness perspective
as much as possible and focusing on helping the client improve Mental
Health.