In order to raise awareness and advocate mental health: it is important to address misconceptions and define terms properly. Read on to learn more!

For the most empiracal definitions, I used the World Health Organization (WHO) website as a reference.

What is the difference?

Mental health and mental illness are not interchangeable and do not mean the same thing. Discussing mental health can be very difficult, for one it is a sensitive topic and not knowing or fully understanding the terms can lead to misinterpretation.

The most accurate definition of mental health is explained by the W.H.O.:

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Mental health is an integral part of all health; there is no health without mental health."

A mental illness is defined as a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. 

The key words here are conditions and behavior. Some conditions affect people's ability to empathize or relate to other people, and other conditions can take over a person's life, by negatively impacting their 'daily functioning' and interpersonal relationships. Everyone expresses a disorder differently.

In a previous post I talked about how 'compulsive gaming disorder' can take over lives (the same way compulsive gambling does), it can impact personal relationships, financial issues, gets in the way of you prioritizing studying, avoiding socializing and other factors that ultimately lead to this being an impulse that is soothed with even more gaming. 

Your mental health is so important. It is crucial to be careful and to exercise healthy and responsible habits online and offline.

Many of you have probably watched Shane Dawson's documentary series on Jake Paul and sociopathy. Stay tuned to the StarBlog, as I will submitting more posts regarding this topic! Please tell me, what do you think of this series, and what issues would you like to see more of in a comment below!

Do you need help?
There are many websites available to those who might be experiencing difficult circumstances and struggling. Click HERE to read about resources you can access in the Stardoll Help section. 

 DISCLAIMER  ⚠️This series of posts aims to raise awarenes, advocate mental health and well being and does not aim to diagnose anyone. Please do not try diagnosing yourself or others. This topic doesn't call anyone out & should not be taken as personal offense. If you or someone you know are being affected by your mental state, it is crucial to reach out & seek treatment. Remember: You are not alone.

Photo Credit: Amazing artwork by BeAFoxxyLady   
Written by: AllDolledUp