Mental Wellness vs. Mental Health: Explaining the Important Differences
Understanding the nuances between mental health and mental wellness is the first step to thriving.
In Short: What is the Main Difference?
Mental health refers to your overall psychological state and functioning, primarily focusing on the presence or absence of illness (diagnosable conditions like depression or anxiety). Mental wellness, on the other hand, is an active, ongoing process of growth, resilience, and self-actualization. While mental health is about survival and stability, mental wellness is about thriving and flourishing, regardless of your current health status.
Table of Contents
You’ve likely heard the terms "mental health" and "mental wellness" used interchangeably. Your job might offer mental health days for you to stay home and relax, or you might hear someone say they’re focusing on their wellness by seeing a therapist. While related, there’s actually an important difference between mental wellness vs. mental health.
The difference is more than just swapping one word for another. It is crucial for effectively managing your life. If you focus solely on mental health, you might miss opportunities to thrive. If you focus only on wellness, you might ignore underlying conditions that require medical attention.
Defining the Terms: More Than Just Words
A helpful place to start is to look at how major health organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Wellness Institute, define mental health and mental wellness.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is largely defined by the state of your psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It determines how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In clinical terms, it is often viewed through the lens of the "medical model," which focuses on the presence or absence of mental illness.
What is Mental Wellness?
Mental wellness is a dynamic, renewable resource. It is an active process—a choice you make every day. The Global Wellness Institute defines it as "an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect, and function." It is about positive psychology: building resilience, finding purpose, and flourishing.
Comparing Mental Health vs. Mental Wellness
To better understand mental wellness vs. mental health, let’s break down the differences in their focus, approach, tools, duration, and goals.
| Dimension | Mental Health | Mental Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Treatment & Stability (Absence of Illness) | Growth & Thriving (Presence of Strength) |
| Approach | Reactive (Treating symptoms) | Proactive (Building habits) |
| Tools Used | Therapy, Medication, Psychiatry | Mindfulness, Exercise, Connection, Sleep |
| Duration | Can be episodic or chronic | Continuous, life-long process |
| Goal | Functioning normally | Reaching full potential |
The Car Analogy
One helpful way to visualize the differences is to think of your mind as a car.
Mental Health = The Mechanics
This is the engine, the transmission, and the brakes.
If the engine is broken (mental illness), the car cannot run properly.
You need a mechanic (therapist/doctor) to fix the biological or structural issues.
Good mental health means the car is in working order.
Mental Wellness = The Driving
This is how you drive the car, the fuel you put in it, and the maintenance you perform.
Do you drive aggressively or calmly?
Do you change the oil regularly (self-care)?
Even a car with a perfect engine can be driven poorly and crash.
The point here is: You need both. A perfect driver cannot drive a broken car, and a perfect car is dangerous in the hands of a reckless driver.
The Dual Continuum Model (The Intersection)
One misunderstanding is that mental health and mental wellness are parallel—in other words, if you have a mental illness, you cannot also be mentally well. This is wrong.
According to the Dual Continuum Model, developed by sociologist Corey Keyes, these two constructs operate on separate axes. This means four distinct states are possible:
Flourishing. No mental illness, and actively thriving with purpose.
The “resilient” state. You may have a diagnosis (e.g., anxiety), but you manage it well, maintain strong relationships, and feel good about life.
Languishing. You have no clinical disorder, but you feel empty, stuck, or stagnant. You’re “fine,” but not really living.
Suffering. Dealing with mental illness without the internal resources or support needed to cope effectively.
Key takeaway: You can work on your mental wellness immediately, regardless of your current mental health status. It’s an accessible path for everyone.
Actionable Steps to Improve Wellness
While mental health issues often require professional intervention, mental wellness is something you can cultivate daily. Here are scientifically backed strategies to boost your wellness score:
1. Cultivate Connections
Social isolation is a major risk factor for poor health. Schedule regular time with friends or join community groups. Quality matters more than quantity.
2. Practice Mindfulness
You don't need to meditate for an hour. Simply spending 5 minutes focusing on your breath or noticing your surroundings can lower cortisol levels.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is when the brain processes emotions. Aim for 7–9 hours. Poor sleep is directly linked to lower mental resilience.
4. Find Flow
Engage in hobbies that challenge you just enough to lose track of time. This state, known as “flow,” is a key component of happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have poor mental health but good mental wellness?
Yes, absolutely. A person living with a chronic condition like depression can still practice good self-care, maintain supportive relationships, and find moments of joy. This is known as the “Dual Continuum Model.” By focusing on wellness strategies, individuals with mental health conditions can significantly improve their quality of life.
Is mental wellness a part of mental health?
They are overlapping circles. Mental wellness helps protect your mental health, and good mental health makes it easier to achieve mental wellness. However, wellness is broader, encompassing lifestyle, purpose, and community, whereas mental health is more clinically focused on psychological functioning.
When should I seek professional help?
If your emotional state interferes with your daily life (working, sleeping, eating) for more than two weeks, or if you feel unsafe, it is time to address your mental health with a professional. Wellness strategies are powerful, but they are not a replacement for medical treatment when illness is present.
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
