People who could benefit from mental health support do not always make the effort to do so, resulting in one of the most common barriers to mental wellness. Some individuals do not recognize their need for help. They may see themselves in black-and-white terms: They are either “mentally healthy” or “mentally ill.” MIND the First Step believes that this perspective is an overly simplified, outdated view of mental health. The truth is that we all fall somewhere on the spectrum of mental wellness, therefore, almost everyone benefits from mental health supports, like counseling, medication, psychoeducation, or self-help.
Across of the United States, there is a common mindset about mental health that is long overdue for a change. Citizens are typically categorized into one of two groups: the majority group of “mentally healthy” individuals or the minority group of “mentally ill” folks. Those labeled “mentally healthy” need zero support concerning psychological wellness.
In contrast, if someone is labeled “mentally ill” they must seek out counseling and/or medication (as well as be subjected to negative stigmatization, but we’ll save that discussion for another day). This black-and-white view of mental health does not fit our everyday reality. Rather than accepting the simplistic label of “mentally healthy” or “mentally ill,” we must acknowledge that mental health is on a continuum with a wide range of possibilities.
“Where am I on the spectrum of mental health?”
If you are interested in finding a more accurate placement on the spectrum, check out the free Mental Health Self-Assessment on our webpage. Knowing your position on the spectrum can help you to make better decisions regarding your mental wellbeing.
“Should I work on improving my mental health?” is not the question you should be asking yourself. The more realistic statement would be, “How do I work on improving my mental health?”.
We all fall somewhere on the spectrum, whether “prevailing” or “in crisis” or anywhere in between. In fact, our position on the spectrum is constantly changing thanks to incremental improvement and unfortunate setbacks. Counseling and medication are effective solutions for those on the lower tiers of the spectrum–“in crisis” or “struggling.” And while self-help and education cannot replace professional guidance, they are helpful, affordable options for everyday mental health struggles and early intervention.
There is no single “right” answer; everyone faces unique and harrowing obstacles in life, thus their solutions will be equally personalized. The spectrum of mental wellness helps to explain that mental health lies on a fluid continuum of possibilities, that most everyone can benefit from working on their mental health, and that everyone’s wellness journey will be as diverse and special as they are.
Rather than dividing people into outdated groups of “mentally healthy” or “mentally ill,” let’s view everyone on a shared spectrum of wellness. Let us never forget that despite where we originally fall on the scale, we have the power to change our positioning. We may move up or down the spectrum depending on our choices, motivations, beliefs, background, culture, and life experiences. Lastly, we should never make the mistake of believing that we are superior to others simply because we are in better mental health–and vice versa!
Improved mental health provides the best opportunity for overall life satisfaction and success…for those “in crisis”, those “prevailing,” and everywhere in between. Reaching the decision to change is challenging, but it is a pivotal turning point on your journey to wellness. Congratulations on starting your journey and taking your first steps toward improved mental health!
Summary
- Change the common/outdated mindset that people are eithere “mentally healthy” or “mentally ill.”
- Adopt a more true-to-life perspective that mental wellness is a spectrum.
- Everyone–including you–can benefit from working on their mental health. What are you waiting for?
- Reflect on where you lie on the mental health spectrum; this will lead you to make deliberate, informed choices concerning your mental wellbeing.
MIND the First Step 