The terms mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. Everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. As the World Health Organization affirms: There is no health without mental health. Safeguarding our mental health is essential to overall well-being.

Over the course of a lifetime, not everyone will experience a mental illness—but all of us will face challenges to our mental health. Just as we may occasionally struggle with physical health, we will all encounter emotional or psychological difficulties from time to time.

A mental illness is a diagnosed medical condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, or relates to others. There are many types of mental illness, each with its own set of symptoms and impacts. Psychiatrists—medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders—play a key role in managing these conditions.

When we talk about mental health, we are referring to our overall mental well-being: our emotional state, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to cope with stress and solve problems, our relationships, and how we perceive the world. Mental health is about how we navigate the ups and downs of everyday life.

Mental wellbeing also speaks to our capacity for change—recognizing that growth is possible, and that we can move toward greater awareness and resilience. It is a continuous process of becoming: of developing insight into our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Steps to Support Mental Wellbeing

• Connect with others. Don’t just think about someone—reach out. Meaningful face-to-face conversations or phone calls help build strong relationships, which are crucial for mental wellbeing.
• Be physically active. Movement boosts not only your physical health but also your self-esteem and emotional energy. A walk, dance, or any form of exercise can lift your mood.
• Keep learning. Challenge your brain with something new—Sudoku, knitting, painting, learning a language or a new recipe. Like any skill, wellbeing can be practiced and strengthened.
• Give to others. Acts of kindness—whether helping a neighbor or sharing home-grown vegetables—can bring joy and a sense of purpose.
• Be present. Mindfulness invites you to tune in to the here and now—your thoughts, sensations, and surroundings—without judgment. It’s about nurturing awareness in the small moments.