If you or someone you love is looking for mental health support, you’ve probably heard the terms behavioral health and mental health used interchangeably. But are they the same? Not quite.
Both play a big role in overall health, but understanding the difference can help you get the right care.
Let’s simplify it so you can make informed decisions for yourself or a loved one.
Before getting into the key differences, let’s start with the basics.
While behavioral health and mental health are connected, they focus on different aspects of well-being.
Understanding what each term means can help you make informed decisions about your health or the health of a loved one.
It includes handling stress, forming relationships, and responding to challenges. Your lifestyle choices, social interactions, and even cultural influences all play a role in behavioral health.
Behavioral health is about how your choices and actions shape your overall well-being. This can include everything from healthily managing stress to seeking help for substance use or other behavioral concerns.
Mental health refers to your psychological and emotional well-being. It’s about how you think, feel, and process experiences.
It influences your mood, stress levels, and ability to cope with life’s challenges.
Mental health includes:
● Emotional resilience
● Self-awareness and perception
● Personality and identity
● Cognitive function and brain health
● Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
While mental health can influence behavior, it isn’t the same as behavioral health. Think of it this way: mental health focuses on your inner state, while behavioral health looks at how your actions shape your overall well-being.
Many types of behavioral and mental health disorders can impact daily life. Some of the most common include:
● Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder
● Mood disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder
● Personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder
● Substance use disorders, which involve the misuse or dependence on drugs or alcohol
● Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
● Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders
● Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Knowing when to seek help can be challenging, but some signs indicate it may be time to reach out for support. These include:
● Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
● Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
● Difficulty managing daily activities and responsibilities
● Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life
● Substance use that is causing harm or disrupting daily life
● Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If someone you care about is struggling with behavioral or mental health concerns, you don't have to face it alone or travel outside of the Langdon area. LPH offers appointments and referrals through our telehealth services. Megan Overby, DNP, FNP-C, is also available on-site to assess and prescribe for children who suffer a variety of mental/behavioral disorders. At Langdon Prairie Health, our team is here to listen, assess your needs and create a treatment plan that fits your situation through our convenient telehealth services. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers today to get the support and care you deserve.
