Mental health and mental illness are words we hear a lot. They sound the same, but they are not the same. We will explain the difference in simple terms. We also tell how we care for people with mental health needs.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health means how we feel, think, and act each day.
Good mental health helps us enjoy life, learn, and get along with others.
It can change over time. Everyone has mental health. It can be strong one day and weak another day.
Examples of things that affect mental health:
- Sleep. Getting good sleep helps the mind.
- Friends and family. Talking to people you trust helps.
- Stress. Too much worry can make mental health weak.
- Food and exercise. They help the body and the mind.
What Is Mental Illness?
A mental illness is when a person has a diagnosable health condition that affects their mood, thinking, or behavior.
Mental illness is like a cold or a broken bone: it is a real health problem. It may need care from a doctor or nurse.
Common mental illnesses:
- Anxiety disorders. Make a person very worried often.
- Mood disorders. Such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- Psychotic disorders. These can change how a person sees or hears things.
- ADHD and autism-related behavior problems. They affect attention and actions.
How Are They Different?
Mental health is about how we are feeling now.
Mental illness is a medical condition that may need treatment.
Simple ways to tell:
- Mental health can be good or bad in normal life.
- Mental illness is more than normal ups and downs. It lasts longer or makes daily life hard.
- You can have good mental health and still have a mental illness when it is treated well.
- You can also have poor mental health for a while without a diagnosis.
Signs to Watch For
If these signs last many days or make it hard to do normal things, they might be signs of a mental illness:
- Feeling very sad or empty most of the day.
- Worrying all the time and feeling scared.
- Trouble sleeping very often or sleeping too much.
- Not wanting to do things you used to enjoy.
- Problems with school, work, or friends.
- Very strong mood swings.
- Hearing or seeing things that are not there.
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care for, it is okay to ask for help.
How We Help at Ark Medical Of Las Vegas
We value your trust. Our goal is to help you live a healthier life. We care for both body and mind. Our services include mental and behavioral health outpatient care. We diagnose and manage a range of conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and co-occurring alcohol or drug use. We also offer telemedicine, so care can happen by video when needed.
Our approach:
- We listen to you. We want to know how you feel.
- We do careful checks and ask questions to understand the problem.
- We offer treatment plans that fit your needs. This may include medicine and follow-up care.
- We can help with both children and adults.
- We work with you and with your family when that helps.
Meet Our Provider
Cecilio Gonzales is our Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has many years of training and practice. He trained in family medicine and in mental health. He has experience with patients of all ages. He brings this wide experience to help people with mental health needs.
When to Seek Help
You should seek help when:
- Problems last for many weeks.
- You cannot do daily tasks like school or work.
- You feel you might harm yourself or others.
- A child has big changes in behavior or learning.
Seeking help is a brave and smart step. It is part of taking care of your health.
Simple Tips for Everyday Care
These small steps help mental health day by day:
- Sleep the same hours each night.
- Eat regular meals with healthy food.
- Move your body every day. Even a short walk helps.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Do one small thing you enjoy each day.
- Take medicine as your provider tells you, if you are given any.
Conclusion
Mental health is about how we feel every day. Mental illness is a health condition that may need treatment. Both matter. We at Ark Medical Of Las Vegas believe in caring for the whole person. We help people with clear care and respect. If you or a loved one is struggling, it is okay to reach out for support. We are here to listen and to help you find the right care.
FAQs
Q. How can Ark Medical of Las Vegas help?
We check how you feel, make a care plan, and help with medicine and follow-up. We also offer telemedicine for video visits.
Q. What if I am scared to talk?
It is okay to be scared. Start by telling one kind person you trust. They can help you find more help.
