There is a vast difference between having inadequate mental health and having a mental illness. Mental illness is diagnosed when there is a significant break with reality, such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and psychosis. Mental health issues are more along the lines of alcoholism, depression (although depression can qualify as mental illness depending on the case) and eating disorders. According to the World Health Organization there is no accurate definition as it relates to mental health and mental illness. Mental health is more of a milestone recording of how well people function in daily life. Thus, a persona can be mentally ill, but with proper treatment they can still be mentally healthy.

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