Definitions

• Mental health - is a positive concept referring to a state of emotional and social wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively or fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
• Mental health problems and mental disorders refer to the spectrum of cognitive, emotional and behavioural disorders that interfere with the lives and productivity of people.
• A mental disorder - is a diagnosable illness that significantly interferes with an individual's cognitive, emotional or social abilities. Mental disorders are of different types and degrees of severity and some of the major mental disorders perceived to be public health issues are depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, psychosis and dementia. The term mental illness is sometimes used instead of mental disorder.
• A mental health problem - also interferes with a person's cognitive, emotional or social abilities, but to a lesser extent than a mental disorder. Mental health problems are more common mental complaints and include the mental ill health temporarily experienced as a reaction to life stressors. Mental health problems are less severe and of shorter duration than mental disorders, but may develop into mental disorders. The distinction between mental health problems and mental disorders is not well defined and is made on the basis of the severity and duration of the symptoms. [Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. (2000). Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health: A monograph. Canberra, ACT: Commonwealth of Australia.]