The Difference Between Mental Health and Behavioral Health — and Why It Matters
Many people hear the terms “mental health” and “behavioral health” and assume they are two ways to describe the same thing. But they actually refer to different areas of well-being, and knowing the difference is key to getting the right support for yourself or your loved one. In this post, we explore the difference between mental health and behavioral health – and why it matters.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is a term used to describe your overall emotional and psychological wellbeing. It influences how you feel, form relationships, and make everyday decisions. Some of the factors that play a role in mental health are:
- Emotional responses to situations
- Patterns of thinking and perception
- Quality of social connections
- Biological factors like brain chemistry and genetics
Common mental health conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
What Is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health is a term used to describe how your habits, actions, and daily routines impact your life. It includes the choices you make and the behaviors you engage in, especially as they relate to both your physical and mental health. Some of the factors that play a role in behavioral health are:
- Daily habits, such as sleep, diet, and exercise
- How you respond to stress
- Substance use or abuse
- Patterns of behavior that affect health and relationships
Common behavioral health conditions include substance misuse disorders, eating disorders, gambling disorders, and sex addiction.
The Important Relationship Between Mental Health and Behavioral Health
While it’s important to understand the difference between mental health and behavioral health, it’s also important to recognize how they relate to one another. Your mental state can influence the actions you take, while your behaviors and habits have a direct impact on your psychological health.
For example, poor sleep habits are a behavioral health concern. However, prolonged sleep deprivation can worsen mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. This can make it even harder to get restful sleep. This cycle illustrates the interconnection between behavioral health and mental health.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
Recognizing the difference between mental health and behavioral health is important because it can directly influence the choices you make about your care. When you understand how each area affects your life, it becomes easier to seek the right kind of support for yourself or someone you care about.
Choose MERIT for Behavioral and Mental Health Support
For over four decades, MERIT has been a trusted provider of mental health and behavioral health services in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, and Yakima. Our experienced team offers evidence-based treatments that can help you build healthier habits and strengthen your mental health.
Explore our services to learn more about what we can do for you:
Still unsure about the difference between mental health and behavioral health – and why it matters? Contact us at 877-789-3344 to learn more from our team. MERIT offers behavioral health and mental health services in English and Spanish in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, and Yakima.