Exploring the Difference Between Mental and Emotional Health

Introduction

The words “mental health” and “emotional health” are often used interchangeably, but they are used incorrectly. There is a difference between mental and emotional health.While mental health deals with how we think and process information, emotional health is how we express our emotions. Both are important to our psychological well being.

Difference between mental and emotional health and why it matters

Mental health is more of an umbrella term. It encompasses other related subjects like emotional, psychiatric, and social well-being.  Emotional health is a subset and refers to the ability to deal with both positive and negative emotions..

Looking closer at the definition of both these terms, it’s revealed to us how they benefit each other, much like a tag team. What’s also apparent are the ways in which both can be balanced and maintained. This balance is the key to having an overall healthy mental and emotional mindset.

Meaning of mental health

Mental health covers quite a bit of ground.. It’s much more than the absence of a mental disorder, and it varies from person to person. In fact, good mental health can be present even if an individual has a mental disorder.Mental health is a state of mental well-being that helps individuals learn and work effectively, while realizing abilities and dealing with stress.

These three components of mental health: emotional, psychological, and social well-being, are the building blocks of a stable and healthy mind.

Emotional well-being deals with the ability to understand challenges, cope with stress, and regulate emotions. This includes having healthy relationships, and self-acceptance. Psychological well-being doesn’t pertain as much to acceptance as it refers to understanding. With this understanding, there is purpose and fulfillment. Social well-being deals with the intricate parts of social interactions, including friends, family, and other relationships.

Factors That Influence Mental Health

An individual’s mental health is influenced by three things. This includes biological factors such as genetics, neurological conditions, and the brain’s chemistry. In other words, it pertains to the physical condition of the brain and elements passed down from ancestors. Psychological factors like coping mechanisms, mental resilience, and basic thought patterns also play a part.  Environmental factors like stress, social support, and the balance between life and work influence mental health as well.

Signs of Good Mental Health

·         Effectively solving problems with logic and little stress

·         The ability to learn new things and focus well

·         Having a clear mind, with the ability to reason.

There are many mental health challenges that can alter or decrease these abilities. A few of them include depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Also, many people suffer from OCD and ADHD, and even schizophrenia.

Meaning of emotional health

Emotional health is only one aspect of mental health. It is basically the ability to process and understand both negative and positive feelings. Emotionally healthy people can successfully deal with both these types of feelings, and if they cannot, they know when to seek professional help.

When it comes to social interactions, people with good emotional health understand how to express emotions, whether negative or positive, in a constructive manner. This is because they know exactly where the emotions originate and their importance. This helps them effectively handle setbacks that may occur.

Factors that Influence Emotional Health

There are three factors that influence emotional health. The most common factor is the childhood experience and  developed attachment style. The temperament also plays a big part. According to basic psychology, the first 7 years of a person’s life are the most influential to their character. Other factors, like social and relational dynamics also contribute to forming a person’s emotional framework.

Signs of Good Emotional Health

·         Healthy connections with others

·         Identify and express emotions effectively

·         Using resilience in stressful situations

Emotional health challenges are sometimes a bit harder to recognize. Avoidance is one thing to look out for, as well as the inability to express emotions. Dysregulation or mood swings occur often as well. One of the most common challenges for those who struggle with emotional health is forming and maintaining relationships.

The key differences between mental and emotional health

While emotional health is part of mental health, there are differences.

Thinking vs. Feeling

Mental health tends to focus primarily on straightforward thinking and logical problem solving. When an issue arises, good mental health is the process of quickly finding a suitable solution.

Emotional health focuses on emotions and feelings present when dealing with any given situation. It also pertains to rationalization and even intuition.

Logic vs. Intuition

Another difference between mental  and emotional health is that one looks at the facts while the other bases decisions on intuition. While emotional health bases decision making on how something feels, mental health looks at logic. 

Intuition in emotional health may be based on social factors, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. Mental health, on the other hand, is based on prior experience and reasoning.

Manifestation

We see the manifestation of mental health as focus and productivity. On the other hand, emotional health manifests when handling stress, in emotional expression, and retaining quality relationships.

Mental and Emotional health are interconnected

A person’s mentality affects the emotions, and emotions affect mental health. In the case of poor mental health, the emotions will be harder to regulate, causing bad decision making. Here are a few examples:

·         Mental health problems like anxiety or depression can affect your ability to make sound decisions. This is because decisions are often made from fear or hopelessness.

·         Negative thinking can cause emotional distress

·         Suppressed emotions can cause cognitive issues

·         Emotional trauma often leads to mental health struggles later in life

Strategies for maintaining good mental and emotional health

Even though they are interconnected, there are obvious differences between mental and emotional health. In some areas, a separate approach is needed. You may be asking yourself now, “Where do I begin?” and “How can I better myself?” Here are a few tips.

For Mental Health:

·         Practice mindfulness and consider cognitive behavioral therapy

·         Prioritize rest and sleep

·         Engage in activities such as reading, playing games, or doing puzzles

For Emotional Health:

·         Enjoy relaxing activities, or activities that are stress-free

·         Practice setting boundaries and saying “No”

·         Practice emotional expressions like showing true feelings

·         Work on developing or strengthening self-awareness

·         Build your emotional intelligence

Balancing the two

·         Seek therapy when needed

·         Mindfulness and meditation to balance cognitive and emotional health

·         Have a healthy support system.

Conclusion

Yes, there is a difference between mental and emotional health, and yet they work together for our overall well-being. So, it is always important to work in both areas equally promoting balance between the two. While there is a plethora of professional help available, it’s important to remember the strengths included with holistic help. The holistic approach leads to more resilience, greater well-being, and satisfaction in life itself.

Mental vs. emotional health, is one more important than the other? No, in fact, making improvements with emotional and mental health should be a daily endeavor. Contact us if you have any questions or are ready to master your mental and emotional well-being!