Behavioral health and mental health are often confused as being the same thing. It is a common misconception that both terms refer to similar treatments and outcomes in the medical field. However, this could not be further from the truth.
Here is some basic information regarding the differences between mental health and behavioral health:
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is a term that falls under the broader category of behavioral health but doesn’t refer to an individual’s behavior. Mental health is principally relevant to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being.
What Is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health is defined as the relationship between behaviors and the mental and physical health of an individual. It refers to our daily habits and rituals and how they affect our overall wellness.
The Relationship Between Behavioral Health and Mental Health
The association of behavioral health and mental health varies from individual to individual. For example, someone suffering from a chronic medical condition may experience depression. Whereas someone diagnosed with depression may not suffer from any specific physical illnesses. Thus, the treatment options for both individuals would vary greatly. The individual with a chronic medical condition causing depression could benefit from a combination of treatments to address behavior and their mental state. The individual suffering from depression without a physical cause would benefit from a different combination of medical treatments. Each therapy would be customized to address the unique circumstances of both individuals.
What Are Some Symptoms of Poor Behavioral Health?
Poor behavioral health habits negatively affect a person’s health. These behaviors could encompass mental health issues, such as:
- Isolation from friends and family
- Disordered eating habits
- Misuse of drugs and alcohol
Behavioral health disorders can also cause less severe symptoms, such as poor hygiene practices.
What Are Some Symptoms of Poor Mental Health?
Indications of poor mental health that are related to a mental disorder may include:
- Long-term issues maintaining relationships with people
- Numerous forms of self-harm
- Insomnia or significant problems with sleep
Mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety can create any or all of the problems listed above.
What Is Behavioral Health Counseling and How Does It Work?
Behavioral health counseling is a treatment method that helps individuals control their habits, notably those behaviors that contribute to a mental or physical illness. It places emphasis on modifying behaviors to produce positive outcomes in an individual’s life.
Specialists that may offer behavioral health counseling would include social workers, psychologists, and general physicians. Other treatments that could consist of medication and/or advanced procedures would be done in tandem with other medical professionals.
At Hope Springs Behavioral Health, our goal is to help individuals regain control of their lives. Our expert staff takes the time to assess each person’s needs thoroughly and create therapies that are right for them. There is no need to suffer any longer; contact us today.
