ARP Pebble in the Road Health Definitions

Some providers of services use the term behavioral health. Some use mental health.  I have spent hours trying to get a concise meaning of both terms. 

It ain't easy.

The American Psychological Association defines behavioral as:

...an interdisciplinary subspecialty of behavioral medicine that promotes a philosophy emphasizing individual responsibility in the maintenance of one’s own health and in the prevention of illness and dysfunction by means of self-initiated activities (jogging, exercising, healthy eating, not smoking, etc.). [proposed by U.S. psychologist Joseph D. Matarazzo (1925–  )]

Mental Health.gov defines it as:

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Here is the thing. There are jerk face doctors and corporations that employ doctors that sometimes hurt people with mental health conditions and disorders.

Or provide a gut punch when a doctor states that all you need is a bit of rest. 

Or insist that medication is the only way to treat your problem (they mean anxiety problems, can't speak for the other stuff.)

Or are told buck the hell up this is life, deal with it. 

There are some of us that do buck the hell up, give the presentation, go back to the hotel room and have a major meltdown of symptoms. 

Dude, we vomit hard and steady and then go back to do it again and again.

Screw you doc, we are doing the best we can and then some. (Directed to the asshole docs, not the good ones.)

This is a pebble in the road on a functional but not perfect definition of health, physical health and behavioral health. With a side order of mental health.

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

APA Dictionary of Psychology definition of Behavioral Health.

Mental Health.gov definition of the term Mental Health

World Health Organization definition of Health.

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.