Learn more at. Words we use in describing the field of worksite wellness field matter. You do need to learn the words you are using, right? The serious poser of what words mean plays itself out within a couple of areas in the field of worksite wellness, not merely in the arena of mental health. Do the terms mental health and mental illness mean quite similar thing? Furthermore, it’s vital to be clear about how key words used in the field are defined, since words matter. Do you know an answer to a following question. Can they be used interchangeably? Wellness refers to the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about life. With that said, it includes the capacity to manage one’s feelings and related behaviors, including the realistic assessment of one’s autonomy, limitations, and ability to cope effectively with stress. Published models all show that wellness is a multi dimensional concept. PTSD. Notice, these conditions should include. Now pay attention please. Mental illness refers to conditions that affect cognition, emotion, and behavior.
Research shows that mental illness, especially depression, is strongly associated with other diseases. Illness refers to the presence or absence of disease. Mental health is positive psychological functioning that emphasizes growth, meaning, and personal capacity. Mental health also covers compassion, control, creativity, love, optimism, resilience. Research into mental health has found that it influences physical health and biological functioning. Therefore, research shows that high positive affect as measured in regards to happiness, joy, contentment, and enthusiasm is linked with lower morbidity, increased longevity, reduced health symptoms, better endocrine system function, better health response, lower inflammatory response and lower blood pressure. Wellbeing is also a multi dimensional concept, like wellness. While wellbeing refers to a state of happiness, with generally positive physical and cognitive health. For instance, the dimensions of wellbeing include. Recovery from mental illness and substance abuse gonna be seen as a bridge between health and illness.
Researchers have clearly documented that the absence of mental illness does not necessarily indicate the presence of mental health. Mental illness and mental health are independent dimensions. And so it’s important for employers to understand that. Mental health and mental illness are rooted in a dynamic and complex biopsychosocial model of disease and health. Recent studies show that higher levels of wellness and wellbeing are linked with better regulation of biological systems which serves as a protective influence on good physical health. You can find more info about it on this website. Just as different levels of health risk stratification require different wellness related programming, different approaches are required for different mental illness subpopulations. Classic example of this being wellness.
Really employee health status management, worksite wellness day ain’t wellness in general.
Our definitions for health, wellness and mental health have changed, as our understanding and research results have progressed over time.
It’s also important to recognize that in addition to knowing what these terms mean, how these terms are operationalized in the workplace is also critically important, Therefore if not more so. I suspect that as we continue to learn more from research, worksite wellness related definitions will continue to evolve. You can find some more information about this stuff here. I specialize in mentoring worksite program coordinators and creating Done With You worksite employee health and wellbeing programs. You can contact me at williammcpeck@gmail.com. Mind and the body can not be separated. My unique background qualifies me to provide you the leadership necessary to implement integrated interventions. Ok, and now one of the most important parts. I invite you to let me your personal effective, successful and sustainable program.