Mental illness means having a diagnosable mental health condition that affects your mood, thinking, or behaviour, and can make daily life much harder. 

What is mental illness? 

Mental illness covers a wide range of mental health conditions that are recognised by health professionals.  

These conditions can have a big impact on how you feel, think, and act. They can also affect your ability to manage everyday life.  

Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

Mental illness and mental health: what’s the difference? 

Everyone has mental health, but not everyone will experience a mental illness.  

Mental health is about your overall emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.  

Mental illness refers to specific conditions that are diagnosed and can affect your life in significant ways. 

Why does the definition matter? 

Understanding what mental illness means helps break down stigma and encourages people to seek support. At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe in using clear, everyday language and putting people first. We talk about people living with or affected by mental illness, not being defined by it.