As we observe Mental Health Month, it's important to reflect on what mental health truly means and why it’s such a critical topic, a topic we all need to lean into with openness, awareness and kindness. Mental health has taken centre stage in public conversations over recent years, but a question we should be asking is: Are mental health and emotional health the same thing, what is the interconnection and if they differ from one another - should we be leaning into one more than the other?
We know that both are closely related, they refer to different aspects of our overall well-being, and understanding the distinction can be crucial to how we navigate and regulate our emotions and the actions we take.
Diving In To Explore
Let's clarify: mental health refers to our cognitive and psychological well-being. Thanks Google. It’s about how we think, perceive, and process the world around us. It's the stuff our brains do all day, every day. Good mental health practice helps us manage stress, make decisions, and engage with life in meaningful ways. On the flip side, poor mental health can and will affect our ability to handle our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, often leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, overwhelm, stress, insomnia or other mental health disorders. Cue a global pandemic and fast forward to 2024.
Emotional health, while interconnected with mental health, focuses more on how we manage and express our emotions. For those out of touch, perhaps sit down and watch Inside Out and the more recent Inside Out 2, or better yet, return to your childhood and watch Winnie the Pooh. The vast array of core emotions is available to us in just the right amount to digest. Our emotions provide the ability to recognise, understand, and respond to our feelings, as well as those of others. Cue self-awareness. People with strong emotional health tend to be more resilient, have healthier relationships, and can better handle life’s challenges. Emotional health, in a sense, is about how well we tune in to and express our emotional responses. Often, this is referred to as Emotional Intelligence. How's your EQ?
Understanding the difference between mental and emotional health is essential because it allows us to address issues more holistically. While mental health concerns the state of our mind, emotional health is about how we deal with and express feelings. Someone might be mentally sharp but struggle with emotions, or vice versa. Realising this distinction can lead to more tailored and effective support, both for individuals and in broader mental health strategies.
In today’s world, the spotlight on mental health, care, and well-being is brighter than ever, and rightly so.
Conversations around mental health, which were once considered taboo, are now commonplace. Not too long ago, speaking openly about mental or emotional struggles might have labelled you as “unhinged”, “out of touch.” or "inappropriate" In a short span, this has flipped – mental health is now central to our wellbeing discussions.
With increasing focus on personal well-being, the spotlight is now on how we balance ambition with protecting our mental and emotional health. It's about listening to ourselves, helping others, stepping up or stepping back when needed, and knowing when to say no. More than ever, we have permission to prioritise these aspects of our lives. For the first time in history, this gateway of self-awareness and acknowledgment is wide open. Additionally, with limitless information at our fingertips, the path to well-being is more accessible than ever.
Time for a fact: a recent study found that out of 67,000 pieces of content (reels), 98% was not scientifically valid or was a source of misinformation. That's not to say that the content was incorrect, the findings found it's what the viewer was able to absorb and how the content is communicated. What this tells us is that firstly, the highway of information is relentless, second is that the potential impact on our brain health is in a constant state of high risk. Taking this into account, it's no wonder that our self-awareness is off the scale as we pursue a balanced approach to both mental and emotional health.
It is no wonder that we find ourselves asking is it mental health or emotional heath. Are they different or the same? Why and what has actually changed? From my perspective - everything.
This stuff is heavy.. shall we take a breath and continue?
Every generation seems to have its mission to solve, whether that be political, social, or economic. Throughout time, societies play a kind of cat-and-mouse game, denying, resisting, accepting, and finally implementing changes. Mental health awareness has followed a similar journey.
After years of stigma and denial, society is now in a place of acceptance, where we openly discuss mental health challenges and work towards improving our collective well-being.
In the last five years alone, the world has changed so much that it feels almost unrecognisable. We’re living in a new era—not just one defined by political correctness, but a world split between pre-COVID and post-COVID polar opposite realities. The rapid shift in how we live, work, and relate to one another has been profound, and much of this change has happened almost overnight. Previous generations saw tangible changes brought on by wars, economic depression, and industrial revolutions- changes that were largely physical and visible. Today’s shift is more internal; it’s a mental and emotional revolution. We are changing how we think, speak, and respond to one another at a pace never seen before.
As someone born in 1982, I’m part of the millennial generation, though I was raised with the values and beliefs of the baby boomer era. Suddenly, I feel old. This generational blend has allowed me to witness significant change firsthand. Unlike previous generations, millennials have had access to greater educational opportunities, more equity in society, and higher earning potential. This is largely thanks to the hard work and efforts of those who came before us, coupled with our own expectations for change.
The dedication of previous generations has made a significant impact on today’s young people. As someone who has already lived through five different decades, two centuries, and two millennia, it’s no surprise that the pace of change feels accelerated. This work continues, and I see myself as part of the movement, passing the baton to the next generation.
Millennials have faced our own unique challenges. For example, we were the first generation to undergo active shooter drills during school, whereas baby boomers may have seen fallout shelters, but nuclear attacks never eventuated. Mass shootings, on the other hand, have become an all-too-real fear for many. This stark contrast highlights how today’s challenges feel closer and more intertwined with our everyday lives than ever before.
The Digital Impact
One of the driving forces behind these changes is the digital revolution. With over 7.2 billion smartphones in use globally, access to information, self-reflection tools, and mental health resources has never been so widespread. The world’s smartphone market grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of 2024 alone, underscoring the role that technology plays in shaping our mental and emotional landscapes.
This constant access to information has led us to a higher level of self-awareness than ever before. We're doing the internal work to better understand who we are, why we feel the way we do, and how we can improve ourselves. With so much information at our fingertips, the question becomes: Are mental health and emotional health two sides of the same coin, or are they fundamentally different?
It’s easy to see why people often conflate mental health with emotional health, but they serve different roles in our well-being. Mental health is about our ability to process and analyse, to think clearly, and to cope with challenges. Emotional health, on the other hand, is about how we express our feelings and navigate our emotional world. While they are deeply interconnected, they represent different dimensions of our overall health.
The Answer May Be Everything
So, is it mental health or emotional health that we should be focused on? The truth is, it’s both. We are in the midst of a mental and emotional transformation driven by a rapidly changing world and unparalleled access to information. Furthermore, the rise of vocalised personal well-being over adherence to the working machine and its restrictions.
Everything has changed - our self-awareness, the way we communicate, and the expectations we place on ourselves and others. As we continue to evolve, finding a balance between mental and emotional well-being will be critical for navigating this new era.
Now What?
It's clear to me that the conversation surrounding mental and emotional health is more relevant and more important than ever. We are at a pivotal point where awareness of these two interconnected yet distinct aspects of well-being is growing and showing up in all we do.
Understanding the difference between mental health, cognitive and psychological resilience, emotional health, and our ability to express and manage feelings will help us navigate the complexities of modern life with greater insight.
In today's rapidly evolving world, driven by the digital revolution and an overwhelming flow of information, achieving a balance between mental clarity and emotional intelligence is crucial. While technology has provided us with unprecedented access to self-awareness and well-being tools, it has also amplified the pressure on our minds and emotions. Before, it felt like a pressure cooker, now, it feels like a great flood. Therefore, it's essential to prioritise action in both mental and emotional health, as they work hand-in-hand to shape how we experience life.
As we continue to engage in open and honest discussions, we move closer to breaking down stigmas and embracing a more holistic approach to health. Whether you're stepping up, stepping back, or simply taking a breath, remember that well-being is personal; it's a collective, and it's a journey. It’s about creating space for both mental clarity and emotional connection as we navigate this transformative era together. The path ahead is challenging, but by fostering a balance between the mind and heart, we can thrive in the face of change. Whether this is in your personal life, work life, or both, resources are available, so I encourage you to be brave and to start the conversation, make it safe and listen to one another.
Embrace solitude, movement, connection, nature and music. Making time for these moments is where mental health and emotional health meet; it's where magic happens. Remember, active listening and expression of self require tact, humility and a drive to be better in how we show up.
I'll leave you with this: a wise woman once told me: if you don't go within, you'll go without. Thanks Mum.
Be good.
Be great.
Be better.
It's up to you; it is up to each of us to take action and dive into learning the tools and the daily practice that serves to elevate the results. I invite you to get well, truly well. So, be well and stay curious.
Fantastic insights and a great read!