Mental health Vs mental wellbeing - do you know the difference?
Over the last decade the conversation surrounding mental health and wellbeing has opened up massively. Creating a judgement-free, and safe space to chat is incredibly important when it comes to helping us all take the first step to better understand and manage our own minds.
However, the journey is far from over. There are still myths to bust, habits to change, and terms to educate ourselves on to uncover a deeper level of understanding of the mysterious ways in which the mind works.
Today’s topic is a biggie! Oh yes, go big or go home! Is there a difference when talking about our mental health versus our mental wellbeing?
There certainly is. Although both terms are closely aligned and used interchangeably, they are in fact different. Once you can understand their distinctions, you can begin to manage each one with a whole new outlook. Both in respect to your personal life, and your wellness as a DJ/producer in dance music.
What’s the difference between mental health and mental wellbeing?
Let’s talk about mental health!
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social condition which determines how we feel, think and act in our everyday lives. Everyone has a mental health status and throughout our lives this will go through highs and lows which is completely normal. Whatever status our mental health resides in, positive or negative, will ultimately influence how we make decisions, handle different situations and interact with fellow earthlings.
Sometimes this will be impacted by external factors in our lives such as our financial situation, relationships or work lives. And other times, due to mental illnesses that have developed or are in our genetics. Such as anxiety or depression. It’s different for everyone.
💬 New Text Message from The Captain: When you feel that your mental health is at a low point or is heading that way, please consult your GP/Doctor for advice and support. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. I am sending you love and courage to reach out for help in these tough moments.
It’s important to highlight that the term mental health covers a scope of ilnesses, disorders and conditions so broad that it doesn’t reflect what a person is actually dealing with. The same clinical diagnosis can present itself very differently in people. Let’s be aware of the language we use when referring to this topic so that we can remain respectful of people’s individual experiences.
Now, what about mental wellbeing?
When talking about mental wellness, think of it as an optimised sate of mind continued on from positive mental health. It is where we start to consider things such as our ability to be self-aware of our behaviours and emotions, our boundaries, how we process and express feelings and how all of this impacts ourselves and those around us. It requires emotional intelligence and regulation which can be developed over time through mindset work. Alone or with the support of a life or wellness coach.
Similar to having a personal trainer to work on your physical fitness, a life coach can help you work on your mental fitness!
Mental wellness is the ultimate goal for many. It’s an optimal sense of being. But don’t get me wrong, you can still go through phases of low mental health.
Hell, you’re only human after all!
I’m a holistic (night)life coach who helps others to bring wellness into their music careers, and I too have to take days out for my mental health and go back to basics with my mindset work and self-care.
However, those who have worked to cultivate wellness in their personal and professional lives will often be able to manage those low periods with a greater sense of ease.
With more awareness, emotional intelligence of how your mind works, you can find it easier to regain control over your mental state. Even being able to simply accept that although you feel awful and drained right now, and have maybe fallen into some old habits, this too shall pass. You are capable of returning to a place of contentment again.
Okay, this is making sense, how does this knowledge specifically help me in my DJ/producer career?
“We perform at our best when we feel at our best.”
So, if we’ve already established that our core mental health forms a basis for everything that we do, then this definitely includes your professional career in dance music.
Looking after your mental health as a DJ/producer can look like…
Ensuring that you get enough rest so that you can feel energised and focussed when you take to the stage to give your all at a live DJ set.
Eating and drinking a balanced diet to fuel your body with the essential vitamins, hydration and nutrients that it needs to manage long days in the studio. Coffee all day long is not the answer, producers! #truthbomb
Seeking professional help from a therapist or doctor when needed so that you can better understand your mental status and receive the help that you need.
Looking after your mental wellbeing as a DJ/producer can look like…
Setting clear boundaries, whether that is times that your label, manager etc can contact you, or your hours spent in the studio. Be respectful of other people’s boundaries in the music industry too!
Working on becoming self-aware so that you can define your intrinsic goals for your career in electronic music and have the ability to hone in on the areas that you need to improve to achieve those goals.
Working on your ability to validate yourself using your inner dialogue so that you can no longer rely on validation from others. Especially those who aren’t close to you in your creative work. Make, produce and release music for you! Music that ignites your soul and is meaningful to you. Not for anybody else.
That’s a lot of info there to digest from one blog post! However, I hope that you’ve found a little clarity in defining mental health versus mental wellbeing which you can start applying to your own life. For quick-access support in your wellness journey as a DJ/producer, check out our Free Electronic Wellness Library for actionable tips and guided lessons.
As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week in the USA beginning today, and World Mental Health Day 2021. I have invited 3 exciting guests to join me (Eline!) each on their own Instagram live to discuss how they manage their mental health and wellbeing as music industry professionals. You don't want to miss this! Follow @theunicornmothership for more info!
My DMs are always open to chat directly with me in private. You can reach out via The Unicorn Mothership’s official Instagram or Facebook.
