Differentiate between mental health, illness and performance

Mental health, mental illness and mental performance are different concepts that affect the way we think, feel and behave. They can be correlated with each other, but not always. Understanding and improving mental health, mental illness and mental performance can help us live our healthiest and most authentic lives. This post will define the concepts of mental health, illness and performance, describe how they relate and discuss how to improve them through small changes in the way we think, feel and act.

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Mental Health

Mental health is a global state of emotional, psychological and social well-being. It involves the ability to cope with life changes and stressors, work effectively, connect meaningfully in relationships, and contribute to one’s community. Mental health affects how we think, feel and behave in our daily lives. It can also determine how we handle stress, how we relate to others, and how we make choices. Indicators of mental health include resilience, cognitive flexibility, optimism, belonging, trust and stable relationships. Mental health can be fostered through small changes in the way we think, feel and act:

• thinking: Think about the whole situation before jumping to conclusions. Practice gratitude and positive self-talk. Be encouraged by yourself.
• Sentiment: Listen to what your feelings are trying to tell you. If you feel tired, sleep. If you feel sad, take a break. If you feel lonely, talk to someone.
• Doing: Surround yourself with positive people who make you better. Make a meaningful contribution to your relationships and community.

Mental Illness

Mental illness, on the other hand, is a health condition that negatively affects our mental health. It causes disruptions in the way we think, feel and behave in our daily lives. Indicators of mental illness include feeling helpless or hopeless, social withdrawal, difficulty participating in daily tasks, mood swings, and even thoughts of harming yourself or others. Examples of mental illnesses include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. Similar to mental health, mental illness can be managed through the way we think, feel and behave:

• thinking: Recognize and respond to confused thinking and reduced ability to concentrate. Recognize that mental illness can make it difficult to think clearly.
• Sentiment: Understand that strong feelings of fear, worry, and guilt can be a function of mental illness. Your feelings are valid, but they may stem from irrational thoughts.
• Doing: Seek help from trusted people and professionals. Stay connected socially. Avoid dealing with negative emotions maladaptively and impulsively.

mental performance

Mental performance is commonly defined as the mental skills, attitudes, perspectives, strategies, and processes that lead to optimal performance, well-being, and personal growth. The Journal of Applied Sport Psychology identifies mental performance competencies that fall into three categories: core, self-regulatory, and interpersonal, which apply not only to athletes and performers, but to anyone who wants to improve their mental strength and their performance in life. Developing mental performance involves investing in the way we think, feel and do:

• thinking: Think realistically by observing irrational thoughts and giving them a more realistic spin. Talk to yourself in a kind and compassionate way.
• Sentiment: Understand and acknowledge how you feel. Don’t deny or avoid your emotions. Accept even unpleasant emotions.
• Doing: Take constructive action, even when you’re exhausted or unmotivated. Behave in a way that is good for you.

Source: Courtesy of Journal of Applied Sport Psychology

How mental health, mental illness and mental performance are related

Source: Courtesy of AASP

The Association for Applied Sport Psychology uses a continuum from illness to wellness to describe the relationship between mental health and mental performance. The model illustrates how mental health and mental performance impact each other and are also influenced by mental well-being and mental illness. It should be noted that mental performance may or may not be related to mental well-being or illness. A person may be struggling in life but doing well and could benefit from working on their mental health. Conversely, a person may be doing well in their personal life but struggling with their performance and could benefit from working on their mental performance.

In conclusion, if you find yourself struggling in life or performance, take a minute to ask yourself if that struggle is related to mental health, mental illness, or mental performance. This question can help guide you toward the right changes in the way you think, feel, or behave. It is important that you recognize that there is no shame in seeking professional help to improve your mental health, mental illness or mental performance.

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