“Dr. Thomas A. Vance, Ph.D., who is trained in several evidence-based therapies to assist with anxiety management, mood disorders, behavioral symptoms and more, explains that the difference between the two lies in how the individual thinks, behaves, and interacts with others. Currently, he’s a mental health clinician providing culturally-specific therapeutic care at Concierge Psychology in Atlanta, Ga., as well as a psychology teaching fellow at The New School for Social Research in New York City.
‘With mental health, we’re referring to our emotional and psychological state, our wellbeing, and basically how we feel about ourselves and our interactions,’ he begins. ‘Mental illness is actually struggling and dealing with the effects of psychological health on your physical life, your mental life, and, overall, your health wellness…I think it’s really important to start getting that language out there because of the differences (between mental health and illness).’ He explains that severe mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder are part of a psychological category called ‘serious and persistent mental illness’ (SPMI), which mental health professionals use to diagnose clients who are trying to get treatment.” Click here, or on the image, to learn more!
