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The Difference between Behavioral Health and Mental Health

behavioral health or mental health professional with patient on couch

When comparing behavioral health versus mental health, there are some key differences people need to know. Most people use these terms interchangeably to often refer to someone suffering from a mental health disorder or mental condition.

However, they do have different meanings. By learning the difference between behavioral health and mental health, one can ensure they are using the terms correctly. 

Defining Behavioral Health

Behavioral health is how our physical and mental behaviors affect our daily lives and routines. It includes not just our mental well-being but also our physical well-being and how our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions affect our daily lives. 

For example, some people eat well-balanced, healthy meals, exercise daily, and ensure they get plenty of restful sleep. Other people may snack and eat not-so-healthy meals, skip exercising to watch TV, stay up late, and not get much sleep.

These aspects of behavioral health will have different impacts on the individual. In the first example, these people will have better overall mental and physical well-being. Whereas in the second example, these people may not be entirely physically and mentally well.

They could struggle with issues such as:

  • Eating disorders 
  • Obesity
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Substance use disorders
  • Poor hygiene/lack of self-care
  • Mental health disorders
  • Chronic illnesses and diseases
  • Other addictions
  • Other health issues
  • Relationship issues

Mental Health: Definitions and Concepts

Mental health is just one aspect of behavioral health. It refers to the relationship between emotions, feelings, and overall state of mind and the resulting behaviors one exhibits. Mental health directly impacts physical health and well-being. For instance, when we feel sad and depressed, we may be more prone to getting sick. 

So, it is vital to address mental health issues when they occur. If they are not addressed, they can cause further impacts on individuals’ lives. They can start affecting physical health and make it difficult to manage daily routines. 

Key Differences 

Mental health is part of behavioral health. However, the difference between behavioral health and mental health is twofold. Our thoughts influence our behaviors, and our behaviors can influence our thoughts. These are the essential concepts.  

Key Similarities

The similarities between behavioral health versus mental health are equally clear. For starters, people with mental health disorders often also have health issues, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Asthma
  • Increased risk of substance use disorders

Additionally, people exposed to excessive stress and anxiety are more likely to develop mental health and substance use disorders. This also applies to people with chronic medical conditions, such as chronic pain. Furthermore, the co-occurrence of mental health and behavioral health disorders is quite common. 

Goals of Behavioral Health

The goals of behavioral health are the same as those of mental health, physical health, and addiction treatment: To help people uncover the underlying causes of their issues and develop effective coping skills for positive outcomes.

Additionally, there are several specific approaches professionals can use on patients to uncover motives for addiction, behavioral impulses, and even some unresolved mental health conditions (co-occurring disorders). 

Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Co-Occurring Disorders

Behavioral health focuses on the connection between behaviors and their impacts on health. This area of medicine includes mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and behavioral disorders and compulsions. 

Mental health focuses on the mental well-being of individuals. It also focuses on how emotions and thoughts affect mood, cognitive functions, stress management, and coping skills. Co-occurring disorders are essentially the overlap between the 2. It is where a person is suffering from at least two conditions, such as substance addiction and a mental health disorder. 

As one can see, there is an interconnectedness between behavioral health, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. They also share similar concepts in treating various conditions that impact a person’s mental and physical wellness. 

Treatment

When it comes to mental health versus behavioral health treatment, they both use similar evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. Treatments are also customized and tailored to fit the person’s unique needs. Some of the common treatments used for mental health and behavioral health disorders are:

  • Individual therapy: Individual therapy provides a safe space for people to share their innermost thoughts and feelings, affecting their mental and behavioral health. 
  • Group therapy: Group therapy provides the opportunity to learn from others experiencing mental health or behavioral health issues. 
  • Family therapy: Having family support is vital for recovery. Family therapy also helps family members better understand and support their loved ones.
  • CBT: CBT helps people better understand the connection between their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. It also helps them transform negativity into positivity by replacing unwanted behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. 
  • DBT: DBT helps people better manage emotions, stress, anxiety, and relationships by learning healthy skills and coping strategies.

Holistic therapy is also available and uses treatments such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and art therapy. These help heal the entire person and restore balance to their mind, body, and spirit. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be beneficial for some people. It involves using FDA-approved medications to treat various symptoms. 

Find Treatment in Pompano Beach, FL

Help is available at Retreat of Broward in Pompano Beach, Florida. Our caring and compassionate team offers comprehensive and personalized treatment plans.

Contact us today to start the path to a better future. 

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