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What is the difference between psychological distress and mental illness? Let's clear up the mystery!
In today's society, mental health is receiving more and more attention. However, the concepts of "psychological distress" and "mental illness" are often confused. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the definitions of the two and their major differences to help readers understand this issue more clearly.
Psychological distress refers to troubling, confusing, or unusual symptoms and experiences in a person's inner life.
Psychological distress describes a broader condition. Many people experience situations in their lives such as stress, loss, and lack of sleep that can cause them to feel anxious or depressed. Psychological distress does not usually require medical intervention and may resolve on its own in the short term. However, if the distress is long-lasting and affects daily life, it may be diagnosed as a mental illness or disorder.
In contrast, mental illness is a group of specific, medically defined conditions.
Mental illness is a narrower category and is usually diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist. Common mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These conditions may be associated with more persistent and severe symptoms and therefore require professional medical intervention.
There is some controversy over the definition of psychological distress, and some mental health workers equate it with mental illness.
Different professionals in the field of mental health use these terms differently. Some believe that the difference between psychological distress and mental illness lies in the duration and severity of the symptoms. Psychological distress can be a short-term condition, whereas mental illness is a health problem with more long-term and systemic characteristics.
Types of psychological distress and mental illness
Psychological distress can manifest itself in a wide range of ways, with common symptoms including mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and decreased interest in ordinary activities. Mental illness is more specific and involves a range of diagnostic criteria and symptoms. For example, anxiety disorders may cause excessive worry and fear, while schizophrenia involves more severe symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Causes and influencing factors
The causes of psychological distress vary widely and may be caused by workplace stress, family problems or major life events. Traumatic events that some people experience, such as losing a loved one or experiencing an accident, can exacerbate this distress. Mental illness, on the other hand, is often linked to an interaction of genes, chemical imbalances, and environmental factors.
The causes of mental illness are complex and usually need to be viewed comprehensively, including genetic, environmental, and social and psychological factors.
Inequalities in mental health are particularly evident across cultures and ethnic groups. For example, in the United States, African Americans are more likely to report psychological distress than other ethnic groups, which is related to the social discrimination and social stigma of mental illness they face. Studies show that many African Americans are reluctant to seek mental health treatment because of social pressures.
Social Labels and Mental Health
Psychological distress is often accompanied by social labels. In many societies, psychological distress is often viewed negatively due to cultural and social influences. This makes people hesitate to seek help, or even put it off until their symptoms become worse or even unbearable.
Stigma surrounding psychological distress, particularly among minority groups, often prevents individuals from seeking help.
In addition, the impact of gender and sexual orientation on mental health cannot be ignored. For the LGBTQ+ community, they face a higher risk of psychological distress due to continued discrimination and abuse. Despite the urgency of their needs, many people are reluctant to seek professional mental health services.
Whether it is psychological distress or mental illness, it is crucial to understand the causes, symptoms and social impacts behind it. This will not only promote individual recovery, but also help the entire society to recognize and understand mental health. Everyone faces different challenges. How can we better support and understand those who are experiencing psychological distress or mental illness?
