Mental Health versus Mental Illness

Discussion 1: Mental Health versus Mental Illness

Properly poised and magnificently coiffed, Michelle entertains the room. After taking one last spoonful of soup, she politely excuses herself from the dinner table and retreats to the bathroom. Uncovering a toothbrush concealed in her purse, she pushes the toothbrush down her throat and gags.  With this behavior, Michelle conceals much more than a toothbrush.

Patterns of mental illness might be concealed all too well by external variables, such as a successful lifestyle, a well-groomed appearance, or a dynamic personality. At times, those suffering with mental illness may be able to control external variables, thus hiding any signs and symptoms. As a result, the differentiation between mental health and mental illness is not always so clear. As a future professional in the field of psychology, you must consider how mental health differs from mental illness for an accurate diagnosis on the basis of the DSM.

For this Discussion, consider the different ways to conceptualize mental health and mental illness in the field of psychology. Think about how this conceptualization may influence your assessment and diagnosis of a client.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief explanation of the different ways in which mental health and mental illness may be conceptualized in the field of psychology. Then explain at least two ways in which this conceptualization may influence your assessment and diagnosis of a client. Provide examples based on current literature and Learning Resources.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

• Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from the Walden Library.

  • Chapter 2, “The History of Diagnosis in Psychiatry”

  • Chapter 4, “What Is (and Is Not) a Mental Disorder”

• Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20–28. 
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Davydov, D. M., Stewart, R., Ritchie, K., & Chaudieu, I. (2010). Resilience and mental health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(5), 479–495. 
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Payton, A. R. (2009). Mental health, mental illness, and psychological distress: Same continuum or distinct phenomena? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 50(2), 213–227. 
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Pierre, J. M. (2012). Mental illness and mental health: Is the glass half empty or half full? Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(11), 651–658. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Document: Final Project Guidelines
  You will use these guidelines to complete your Final Project for this course.

• Cacioppo, J. T., Reis, H. T., & Zautra, A. J. (2011). Social resilience: The value of social fitness with an application to the military. American Psychologist, 66(1), 43–51. 
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Carver, C. S. (1998). Resilience and thriving: Issues, models, and linkages. Journal of Social Issues, 54(2), 245–266. 
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Leyro, T. M., Zvolensky, M. J., & Bernstein, A. (2010). Distress tolerance and psychopathological symptoms and disorders: A review of the empirical literature among adults. Psychological Bulletin, 136(4), 576–600. 
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (2003). Flourishing under fire: Resilience as a prototype of challenged thriving. In C. L. M. Keyes & J. Haidt (Eds.), Flourishing: Positive psychology and the life well-lived (pp. 15–36). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Van Vliet, K. J. (2008). Shame and resilience in adulthood: A grounded theory study. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(2), 233–245.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.