Mental health, well-being, mental illness: let's not confuse everything

During an exchange with a company manager, a striking observation emerged: there is a real “problem” around the term”sanity”. According to him, if you do a street survey asking people if they have good mental health, 90% would feel that they would be taken for “crazy”. A word full of cliches and judgments that is still too often associated with mental health itself.

This anecdote (true!) illustrates a major obstacle to our collective ability to deal calmly with the subject of mental health, at work as elsewhere. It is time to put mental health back into its place, by placing it on the same level as physical health, without fear or taboos, with simple and accessible words.

Because, in reality, Mental health does not mean mental illness. It is a broader concept and essential to the well-being of employees, teams and organizations.

Now more than ever, it is essential to better understand what the concepts of mental health, well-being and mental illness cover. Because mental health is first and foremost a balance that must be maintained and above all, a subject that concerns us all, especially in our workplaces.

1. Mental health: an essential component of overall health

Mental health is a lot like physical health: a state of well-being in which you can live to the fullest, adapt to challenges, and perform at your best.

💡 Definition: For theWorld Health Organization (WHO), Mental health is “a state of well-being in which a person can realize their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community”.

In other words, mental health is more than just the absence of illness or disorders. It is a fragile but precious balance that allows you to get through the ups and downs of daily life, of bounce back in the face of difficulties, and to build a satisfying life, both personally and professionally.

That's why it's important to think about mental health the way you think about physical health: not just when you're sick, but also when things are going well. We don't say”I have good physical health” only when we are in good shape, we also evaluate it according to our energy, our vitality, our ability to do what we love.

The same goes for mental health: It is nourished by well-being, positive relationships, meaning at work and in life, moments of relaxation and rest. It is a dynamic state, to be maintained on a daily basis.

2. Mental discomfort: warning signs that should not be ignored

Sometimes mental health can falter. It is not necessarily a disease, but rather a discomfort that is manifested by warning signals : stress chronic, emotional fatigue, loss of motivation, isolation, irritability... These signs are like red lights that go on to say”Careful, it's not going well” and it is essential to listen to them.

💡 Definition: Mental discomfort is a state of diffuse psychological suffering, which is manifested by a feeling of inner discomfort, without necessarily being a pathology. This discomfort is often linked to an imbalance between a person's resources and the pressures they are under, especially in the professional context. It is a warning signal, a call for support, which should not be minimized or ignored.

Mental discomfort can affect anyone, at different times in life, especially in the workplace. One Too fast pace, a Lack of reconnaissance, of conflicts Or a low-support environment can tip the scales.

The challenge is not to ignore these signals. Acting early, talking, seeking support, adjusting working conditions or organization are all actions that help regain this essential balance.

Because if you let the discomfort set in without intervention, it can evolve into a mental illness, which is heavier and more disabling. The good news is that prevention and support can greatly reduce this risk.

In the world of work, recognizing these signals and responding to them quickly means protecting the well-being of employees while ensuring collective performance.

3. Mental illness: a pathology, not a shame

Mental illness, on the other hand, is a group of recognized disorders that affect the mind and behavior.

💡 Definition: Mental illness refers to a diagnosed psychological disorder that permanently affects a person's thinking, emotions, behavior or relationships. It can take various forms such as: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and requires appropriate management, just like any other disease.

These disorders do not define a person: they can be treated, stabilized, and can be fully compatible with a fulfilling professional and social life, provided they are recognized and supported.

It is important to remember that the term “crazy”, which is often used incorrectly, is not only stigmatizing but also completely inappropriate. This word fuels prejudices and fear, when these disorders should be spoken with respect and understanding. Mental health deserves to be addressed with the same humanity and seriousness as physical health.

To put things in perspective, 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their life. 23% of French people feel that they are not taking care of their mental health, including 36% of women and 38% of 18-24 year olds. Figures that show how common these pathologies are, and that no one is safe. However, stereotypes still persist: 70% of French people have prejudices about people with mental health disorders (source: Health insurance, 2023).

Knowing, understanding, and accepting mental illness is the first step in fighting stigma and building inclusive and caring work environments.

4. Why businesses have a role to play

Businesses are not just workplaces: they are also living spaces where mental health should be able to thrive. They have an essential role to play in create an environment where you can talk freely about your mental health, without fear of judgment or cliches.

It starts with fight against taboos and avoid amalgam that prevent us from understanding the difference between mental health, well-being and mental illness. By deconstructing these preconceived ideas, we pave the way for a more sincere, more human dialogue.

Prevention is also a key : proposing concrete actions to improve the quality of life at work, whether through the organization of working conditions, the support of teams, or the training of managers in these subjects, contributes to maintaining this very precious balance.

By investing in mental health, businesses promote a climate of trust, strengthen team cohesion, and boost motivation and sustainable performance.

It is imperative to normalize the concept of mental health, as we have succeeded in normalizing sports, yoga or nutrition. It is not a luxury, nor a subject reserved for some: it is a essential component of our daily well-being.

And it all starts with using the right words: understanding the difference between mental health, ill-being and mental illness, in order to talk about them without taboos, without fear, with accuracy and kindness.

At Qualisocial, we support more than 900 organizations in the prevention of psychosocial risks, the promotion of well-being at work and the construction of more humane and sustainable professional environments.

Our approach is at all levels: prevent, raise awareness, support. And above all, offer concrete measures that make a difference: 24/7 psychological support, mediation, training, QVCT diagnosis, support for managers, awareness-raising modules, and many other levers for real action.

Because talking about mental health already means taking care of individuals, teams and the entire organization.