Spectrum of Mental Wellness

Healthy > Coping > Difficulties > Illness

Mental health consists of different states that we can experience separately or simultaneously:

• no mental distress, problems or disorder is feeling at ease, balanced, adapting to challenges, and enjoying our daily lives
• mental distress is the common, short-term responses to the stresses of everyday life
• a mental health problem is when one's ability to adapt is challenged by a serious environmental stressor; counselling and other support may be needed
• a mental disorder is diagnosed according to internationally accepted criteria; it requires evidence-based treatment from a health professional 

These mental health states do not exist on a continuum, that is, mental distress does not develop in a mental disorder.