What is the theory behind this Looking after your mental health worksheet?
Mental health and mental illness are the terms that are used interchangeably but there is a difference between them. Mental health is all about our emotions, thoughts, how we behave and deal with daily life strssors, solving problems, maintaining social life and understanding the world around us. On the other hand, Mental illness is a diagnosable condition with a set of established criteria and has a variety of effects on people’s lives. It is important to Understand that mental illness does not always result in poor mental health and that poor mental health is not always caused by mental illness.
How will the worksheet help?
Mental illnesses and mental health are stigmatised and subjected to unfavourable judgments. The worksheet will clear the concept of mental health and mental health to the clients and give them awareness that mental health professionals can be contacted for the betterment of mental health too, not only for being diagnosed.
How to use the worksheet?
The worksheet can be given to the client to read during the session or it can be given as homework. Therapist can discuss the concept of mental health and mental illness with the client after he/she finishes the reading.
Mental health and Mental illnesses worksheet
Mental Health
Mental well-being is the foundation of mental health. A person with good mental health can face daily hardships and still lead a full life. Traumatic experiences and other factors can impact mental health. Things like exclusion, discrimination, and poor physical health can all have an effect on someone’s mental health. The research proved that good mental health may influence physical health and biological functioning.
Mental Illness
A diagnosable disorder with a set of standard criteria is mental illness. Genes, brain chemistry, or traumatic experiences are a few of the possible causes of mental illness. Mental illness can affect everyone, regardless of age, social status, sex, or ethnicity. These problems can also be referred to as mental health issues.
Mental Health VS Mental Illness
Not everyone will develop a mental illness over the course of their lifetime, but everyone will struggle with or face obstacles with their mental health, just as we all occasionally face difficulties with our physical well-being. Everybody has days when they feel stressed out because of anything going on in their lives but the realistic analysis of issues or concerns is a crucial component of good mental health. Achieving good mental health does not need always being cheerful and self-assured while dismissing any challenges. It’s about overcoming obstacles and coping with problems. It is possible to have good mental health despite a diagnosis of mental disease, and it is also possible to have poor mental health without having a mental illness.
Tips to maintain Mental health
- Be physically active
- Make a healthy social circle
- Practice meditation
- Be mindful
- Learn new skills
- Have a good quality sleep & diet
- Limit your screen time
- Seek counselling when needed
Please fill the table below
| How do you define mental health and mental illness? | What are the steps you take to maintain positive mental health? |
| What can be possible signs of mental illness? | How can you cope with the stressful events of life? Whom you will approach for support or to talk with? |
References
What’s the difference between mental health and mental illness? (n.d.). We’re here to help | Here to Help. https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/q-and-a/whats-the-difference-between-mental-health-and-mental-illness
Taylorcounselinggroup. (2022, June 13). Mental health vs. mental illness: The difference and why it matters. Taylor Counseling Group. https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/mental-health-vs-mental-illness/
You can download this worksheet here.