Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Everyone should strive to maintain good mental health whether or not someone has a mental disorder.  It's possible to discuss mental health without mentioning mental disorders.
  • Most people consider their health as a whole and how it affects their mental health when they discuss wellbeing.
  • The emotional and social well-being of a person or group is referred to as mental health.
Reading time: 14 min

Everyone should strive to maintain good mental health whether or not someone has a mental disorder.  It’s possible to discuss mental health without mentioning mental disorders. Despite being connected, they can nevertheless be divided. Most people consider their health as a whole and how it affects their mental health when they discuss wellbeing.

The emotional and social well-being of a person or group is referred to as mental health. Having better physical and mental health is referred to as well-being.

When discussing wellbeing, it means a person’s general health. Though mostly focused on mental health, it can cover mental well-being, physical health, and environmental health. Being in good mental health is related to being in good overall health.

The relationship between mental health and wellbeing has long been a topic of controversy. Well-being is impacted by both physical and mental health. People are more resilient when they feel psychologically healthy and balanced. The ability to handle life’s challenges and recover from traumatic experiences improves general wellbeing.

The same holds for how both objective and subjective well-being impacts mental health. Individuals feel more satisfied, less stressed, and more present in their daily lives when their fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and freedom from violence and prejudice, are addressed. This demonstrates how extensive well-being encourages positive mental health.

Similar to how wellbeing affects health, mental health has significant, long-lasting effects on physical health. The concept of physical and mental health is interdependent.

Here are some examples to support that statement:

Healthier lives, which are defined as those involving a balanced diet, plenty of water and activity, and enough sleep, can stop the onset of or reduce the severity of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

People suffering from mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can rehabilitate with the aid of healthy lifestyles. It is difficult to have one without the other when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.

Fundamental ties exist between mental health and wellbeing. Several links exist between persistent physical illness and mental health that harm people’s quality of life, increase the need for public services like health care, and have negative ramifications for society. Health, according to authorities in the health sector, is not just the absence of sickness or infirmity but also a condition of the whole physical, mental, and social wellbeing. It comes as no surprise that mental health is essential to physical health.

Chronic conditions are the area where the connection between mental health and wellbeing is most obvious. The following are links between well-being and mental health:

People with poor mental health are at risk of persistent physical problems. Severe physical illnesses are most likely to affect those with major mental health conditions. People who have ongoing physical issues are more likely to experience mental disorders.

Both chronic physical diseases and mental health are impacted by the socioeconomic determinants of health. Maintaining appropriate physical activity, regular exercise, getting access to nutrient-rich foods, good income sources, and encouraging social integration and social support is an important determinant of good mental health. As a result, there are chances to increase protective variables and decrease risk factors of many elements of wellbeing and mental health.

The very first step in establishing ways to reduce the occurrence of co-existing disorders and support people who are currently suffering from mental disorders and serious physical problems is to understand the connection between mind and body.

Since they are two distinct concepts, physical and mental well-being are related. Let us just explore each one properly.

Firstly, let’s define health. One definition of health is the absence of disease or harm. A person who is capable, robust, and disease-free is considered to be in good physical health.

Having a strong, efficient, and disease-free mind is what is meant by having healthy mental well-being. If human mental health is in good shape, humans can deal with the challenges and setbacks of everyday life without experiencing excessive or crippling stress, irritation, worry, or despair. Together, mental and physical well-being has an impact on all activities.

Let’s define mental wellbeing. The lack of “negative” things like mental discomfort and physical disability, according to the definition, would be considered health and mental well-being.

The preservation of physiological and emotional stability, mental health, and balance — rather than only the absence of mental disorders — may be a more affirmative definition of well-being.

Both subjective and objective well-being can be considered from a scientific perspective.

Here is an explanation of each:

Objective Wellbeing 

Basic needs, such as those for food, health, education, safety, and habitat, are the cornerstones of objective well-being. By asking people to rate their general well-being, one may determine how objective well-being fluctuates in response to cultural, social, and political events.

Subjective well-being

Alternatively, you can gauge someone’s subjective well-being by asking them how they feel about it. It depends on less obvious (but no less significant) metrics like fulfillment, happiness, social well-being, and a sense of purpose.

Together, subjective and objective well-being produces a collective experience of mental well-being. 

The solution is straightforward: humans can perform at best when having a solid foundation of physical and mental wellbeing. Everything else in someone’s life, both personally and professionally, will be more challenging and less rewarding if mental health and well-being are lacking.

Some of us could convincingly argue that a comprehensive wellness strategy shouldn’t include mental well-being. Even while people are aware of how important it is, relatively few people make the effort to cultivate the behaviors and viewpoints that safeguard and maintain our mental wellbeing.

One must be aware of individual needs and develop the practice of self-care to process life’s numerous difficulties, tribulations, and challenges in a world that is rife with demands and tensions related to health, finances, relationships, and daily living.

1. Personal treatment

Few of us have all the tools which are needed to maintain our mental well-being in daily life, frequently a third party is required to act as an objective source of advice for our experiences to identify trends and feelings that require further investigation. Through and counseling will be more important than ever in 2022. In general, while developing new opportunities for self-care and management that can enhance our quality of life, humans need to unwind from life’s strains and tensions.

2. Community

While 2022’s approach to treating mental illness may differ from earlier ones, this does not permit one to withdraw and suffer from a particular set of problems. The path to well-being will create a strong network of friendships, love, and support. Be inspired by talks, in-person gatherings, virtual care services, and interactions with the support network by surrounding oneself with like-minded people who also want to live healthier and happier lives. 

3. Physical condition

Because the body, as well as the brain, are inextricably linked, one’s health has an impact on the other. People should take care of the body because it is a complex network of interconnected systems that helps them successfully navigate through life. So you may take important steps to maintain overall physical well-being, which will in turn help you reduce stress about life in general, by eating healthily, getting enough sleep, exercising, and keeping yourself hydrated.

4. Intellectual fitness

The method of maintaining good mental health should also include engaging in mental exercise and making a commitment to lifelong learning. Creating new opportunities and increasing their knowledge can present people with new prospects that can substantially improve overall life.

 5. Environmental health

The environment has a big effect on the individual’s view of oneself. Living in unfavorable conditions and being stressed out all the time can have a bad effect on health and wellbeing and can lead to mental health problems. Individuals can reduce the stress reaction in the brain, which can lead to impaired cognitive function, by doing all they can to remove the stressful elements of daily life, such as living conditions, relationships, social situations, and physical health concerns.

6. Boundaries

Placing boundaries and practicing to answer “no” to stuff that is not necessary will enable one to carve out some space for preserving good mental health. It is hard to accomplish all of life’s commitments and take better care of oneself at the same time. If you never learned to say no to family and friends before, it might feel terrible at first. However, as you learn to assert yourself and reclaim your time, it will become simpler to engage in the daily routines that safeguard overall mental health.

7. Self-care

The blessings over the last few decades include extra time for many individuals. While sitting within our houses, learning the subtle art of self-care is compulsory to reflect on our needs. The things one does to take care of the mind, body, and spirit can enhance not only life but also the lives of others around us.

Although health and well-being are closely connected, nevertheless, there are major differences. One way of understanding this difference is by comparing and contrasting the value of health and wellbeing in our daily lives. This includes a plethora of activities as well as health states that could indicate sound physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

Examples Of Mental Health

  • Overcoming stress.
  • The capacity to set and attain goals.
  • The capacity to develop relationships
  • Able to engage in social interaction.
  • Wholesome psychological processes.
  • Could take time out for relaxation.

Examples Of Wellbeing

Good wellbeing depends on: 

  • Overall health and wellness
  • Social connections.
  • A secure and healthy atmosphere.
  • Cardiovascular wellbeing.
  • Good Exercise habits and fitness levels.
  • Home security.
  • Balancing work and life.

The value that different cultures place on mental health may vary. It’s crucial to realize that what one culture may consider being good well-being may be different in another.

Mental Wellbeing

How we handle the ups and downs of life determines our mental well-being. This straightforward notion of mental health has deeper significance and implications for our daily lives. It encompasses a person’s thoughts, behavior, and emotional wellness.

This significant aspect of who we are has several connotations. All of these characteristics—which are truly abilities we can exercise and hone—are components of mental wellbeing:

  • Self-acceptance
  • Self-awareness of being a part of something bigger
  • Feeling of independence, as opposed to relying on others for identity or enjoyment
  • Aware of and utilizing our individual character qualities
  • An accurate view of reality and awareness that our thoughts aren’t always true and that we can’t read minds
  • A desire to progress farther

Emotional Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing includes:

  • Being able to discuss personal worries with somebody and express thoughts with others.
  • Be able to decline requests without feeling bad
  • Thinking positively most of the time 
  • Giving the impression that is supported by a large number of individuals who genuinely care.
  • Having the capacity to unwind
  • Feeling positive about oneself

As you would expect, there is less of a distinction between mental health and wellbeing. How mental health and well-being interact has been a challenging subject for scientists for a long time. The answer is difficult, as one might expect, and it is understood that mental health has both direct and indirect effects on general wellbeing. Look at some of the specific ways that the body and mind interact.

1. Depression and Immune Function

The most prevalent mental condition in the US, depression, affects more than simply compromising their motivation and emotions. Through inhibiting Cellular response to bacteria and viruses, it may have an immediate impact on the immune system. It’s indeed easier to become ill and endure illness. An increase in the intensity of asthma or allergies may also result from a compromised immune system.

According to studies, it might work the other side around but the immune system might potentially be the root of depression. Stress, especially persistent stress, causes the brain itself to mount an immunological response. Depression may have its roots in this inflammatory reaction.

The modification of immunological receptors in rodents was found in a recent survey on immune dysfunction and depression. Scientists repeatedly stressed out the rodents, and they saw that stress made the mouse brains secrete mediators. The lateral prefrontal cortex, a crucial component of the brain in causing depression, was damaged as a result of the release of cytokines, a type of protein linked to this disorder. In the other words, the immune system’s reaction to stress allowed the researchers to induce depressive symptoms.

Health and wellbeing are characterized by a robust immune system, but stress also raises the risk of depression. This study serves as an example of the fact that many physical health issues also have a mental health and well-being component.

2. Fatigue and mental illness

Prolonged symptoms of fatigue are frequent side effects of anxiety, depression, and other mood disturbances. Some people insensitively assert that “it’s all in your head,” however science refutes this. Physical fatigue is a direct result of mental fatigue.

Exhaustion and mental illness are intimately related, and ongoing fatigue can quickly result in deterioration in physical health. Anxious or chronically depressed people are less likely to exercise and, when they do, are more likely to stop early. Additionally, mental illness can make it difficult to adopt good hygiene, making a person more susceptible to sickness.

3. Conflict, Stress, and Heart Health

The tension of anxiety and angry outbursts are harmful to the heart. The movie stereotype is unfortunately accurate, according to an Australian study that looked at whether intense emotions can result in heart attacks.

A person’s risk of dying from heart attack increases by 8.5 times in the two hours after an event of extreme rage, which the researchers defined as tensed body language, clinched knuckles or teeth, and looking “ready to burst.”

Mostly in two hours after experiencing anxiety, the chance of having a heart attack increases by 9.5 times. While heart attacks are normally not a concern for young people, impulse control disorders that entail anger and anxiety can harm their developing hearts.

FAQs

What Is Mental Well-Being?
It can be challenging to define fundamental concepts like “mental health” and “mental wellbeing.”
The following is how the some of the competent authorities in the health sector describe mental health:
It is a feeling of contentment,
Wherein the individual recognizes their strengths and abilities,
Can handle life’s everyday stresses,
Can function efficiently and effectively, and
Can make a difference in their neighborhood.
Positive mental health, well-being, and mental capital—which might be mental, psychological, or subjective—are other concepts that may be employed in the literature.
What Factors Lead To Mental Illness?
There are a variety of factors that might contribute to poor mental health. There may be several causes at times and the same cause will have various effects on different persons. Although not all of the following factors could lead to poor mental health, this list includes several of them:
Ignorance, trauma, or abuse either in childhood or adulthood
Feelings of isolation or poverty
Aggression, harassment, or other types of abuse
Trauma such as being in combat or going through a situation where  someone is feared for  life
Homelessness
Level of stress
Overuse of drugs or alcohol
Loneliness
What Are The Different Types Of Mental Health Treatments?
Medicines and psychotherapy are the two most popular forms of treatment for mental illness, but there are several additional possibilities.
With a qualified professional, speaking therapies are frequently used to discuss specific issues, sometimes to foster better interpersonal relationships.
CBT, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most popular type of psychotherapy.
With CBT, people can learn practical skills to control any negative thinking that might be giving them problems. CBT is a very short-term treatment that seeks to find links between your behaviors, ideas, and feelings.
Medication therapies focus more on masking the signs and symptoms of mental illness than on addressing the underlying cause. They could be mood stabilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications.

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