Truths About Wellbeing Part 2: Wellbeing is Not Just About Mental Health

Wellbeing and mental health are often perceived as the same. They are distinct concepts but deeply interrelated (Gee et al. 2013).

Wellbeing and mental health are often perceived as the same. They are distinct concepts but deeply interrelated (Gee et al. 2013). The World Health Organisation defines “wellbeing as encompassing quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose" (WHO, 2021). Positive psychology researchers describe wellbeing as "how people feel and function both on a personal and social level and how they evaluate their lives as a whole" (Michaelson et al., 2012, as cited in Mental Health Commission of NSW, 2017). Simply put, ‘it is our ability to feel good and function effectively’ (Huppert, 2014).

When our wellbeing is at its optimum, it is called thriving. We know what it takes to function at our best and what to do when stressful situations occur, drawing from strengths such as love, courage, perseverance, and wisdom (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) and making us resilient.

Mental health is a health domain that can impact our wellbeing. Other health domains, such as emotional, physical, environmental, and spiritual (Mental Health Commission of NSW, 2017), can also affect our wellbeing. It is why we need a holistic approach when it comes to strengthening wellbeing, not just fixing mental health.

Mental health is a health domain that can impact our wellbeing. Other health domains, such as emotional, physical, environmental, and spiritual (Mental Health Commission of NSW, 2017), can also affect our wellbeing. It is why we need a holistic approach when it comes to strengthening wellbeing, not just fixing mental health. For example, employees might be experiencing work-related stress and, as a result, are underperforming. If prolonged stress is not addressed, it can lead to anxiety and affect cognitive functioning. In such cases, it is crucial to consider the root causes of work-related stress: Are there insufficient resources to meet job expectations? Are deadlines unrealistic? Are leaders treating workers with care and consideration?

While it is essential to provide support during mental health crises, it's equally important to create an environment that fosters wellbeing to prevent unsafe working conditions that negatively impact mental health. Understanding the difference between mental health and wellbeing helps us prioritise our needs.

While it is essential to provide support during mental health crises, it's equally important to create an environment that fosters wellbeing to prevent unsafe working conditions that negatively impact mental health.

Victorian work safety legislation is changing to include psychosocial safety within OH&S policy, leaving many employers uncertain about their next steps. Distinguishing between mental health and overall wellbeing is crucial in setting the right priorities. While having an emergency plan for mental health crises is essential, it's equally important to focus on fostering wellbeing, building resilience, and maintaining sustainable mental health to handle life's challenges and workplace stress effectively. What steps are you taking to support your team in performing at their best?

If you're interested in strengthening your team's wellbeing, let's discuss it in a no-obligation consultation call. Feel free to connect with me at hello@glendachi.com.au.

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References

Gee, G., Dudgeon, P., Schultz, C., Hart, A., & Kelly, K. (2014). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing. Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice, 2, 55-68.

Huppert, F. A. (2014). The state of wellbeing science: Concepts, measures, interventions, and policies. Wellbeing: A complete reference guide, 1-49.

Mental Health Commission of NSW (2017), Wellbeing language and definitions guide 2017. Sydney, Mental Health Commission of NSW

Michaelson, J., Mahony, S., & Schifferes, J. (2012). Measuring Well-being. A guide for practitioners. London: New Economics Foundation. 

Seligman, M. E., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction (Vol. 55, No. 1, p. 5). American Psychological Association.

World Health Organization (WHO), (2021). Promoting Well-Being, https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-well-being#:~:text=Well%2Dbeing%20encompasses%20quality%20of,resources%2C%20overall%20thriving%20and%20sustainability