Glossary cont.
Just like experiencing poor physical health the severity and longevity of the signs of poor mental health varies from person to person. Some young people may experience only one episode of poor mental health in their lifetime, while others may experience multiple episodes with periods of wellness in between. Only a small minority have diagnosable long-term poor mental health (mental ill health) and even then they can still live meaningful and satisfying lives. Emotional distress Whilst Youth MHFAiders provide support to young people who are developing poor mental health, they also provide support to young people with generally positive mental health who are experiencing a difficult time in that particular moment. For example, a student who hasn’t slept well and is finding schoolwork particularly difficult that week may find themselves unable to cope and in need of someone to talk to. It is important to recognise that Youth MHFA support is just as important for those who are generally well, but are feeling distressed in the moment. This is done in order to prevent them developing a pattern or period of poor mental health. We must neither trivialise nor pathologize their experiences. Mental ill health The difference between poor mental health and mental ill health is generally the length of time that the challenges are experienced, as well as the length of time that the challenges experienced impact upon a person’s wellbeing and functioning. Mental ill health is when poor mental health has impacted a person to the point where it could be diagnosable as a mental health condition, however it doesn’t mean that a diagnosis is
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