Mental Illness vs Mental Health
  • Importance of Mental Health
  • Difference between the two
  • Health Insurance for Mental Ailments
Mental Illness vs Mental Health
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How Mental Health is Different from Mental Illness?

It is rightly said that a "strong mind creates a strong world". But how do we make our minds strong? Well, you can choose many options to keep your mind healthy. The problem is there are many people including celebrities like- Lady Gaga, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Parineeti Chopra, and our own The Rock, and many like them are dealing with mental health issues. When we read about them, we find ourselves very curious about it. But, if our neighbour, relative, or friend is diagnosed with such a mental condition, it goes like 'hush-hush'. Even today, acceptance of mental illness is still a dream as it is still considered taboo in many areas. Additionally, due to the exceptionally high treatment cost of mental illness, many still can't afford it.

This article aims to generate awareness about mental health, related illnesses, availability of treatment and many other such not-so-much-discussed topics.

How Important is Mental Health?

Mental health is as crucial as physical health. To live a great and happy life, you need to have a healthy balance between the two. These days, a great number of people have started acknowledging the importance of mental health. To cater to this, many health insurance companies are providing health insurance for mental illness. We will learn about this later in the blog, first let us understand the difference between mental health and mental illness.

A Quick comparison Between Mental Health Vs Mental Illness

Basis Mental Health Mental Illness
Definition Mental health is the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person. Mental illness refers to a specific disorder or condition that can affect our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and moods.
Mental health involves the ability to handle stress, maintain fulfilling relationships, work productivity, and decision making. The condition of mental illness can interfere with daily functioning and can lead to distress or impaired functioning.
Focus Relativity Mental health is more about the positive aspect of the psychological functioning. Mental illness is a diagnosis and is associated with symptoms and impairment in functioning.
It includes aspects like coping mechanisms, resilience, self-esteem, and overall emotional well-being. It includes conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and much more.
State of Being Mental health is a state that can range from a good state of mind to struggling emotionally or psychologically. Mental illness indicates a diagnosable condition that might require medical support and treatment.

How is a Mental Health Insurance Company Helping Out?

  • In 2017, IRDAI issued a directive to the insurance providers in India, that they have to provide health insurance for mental illness.
  • People are speaking up and looking for health insurance policies having mental illness coverage.
  • The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 provides the right to access treatment and healthcare for mental illness to the general public and protects them against discrimination.
  • Now, almost all health insurance companies provide mental ailment health insurance.

How to Choose Health Insurance for Mental Ailments?

You need to keep the following points in your mind while getting mental illness health insurance:

  • Amount of the Premiums

    Obviously, budget is the main constraint while safeguarding ourselves. Avoid financial stress by choosing affordable premiums.
  • Coverage

    Check the coverage options of your health insurance plans for mental illness. Some plans also give coverage for psychiatrist consultations.  So much so, consider reading the policy wording carefully before choosing the right one.
  • Waiting Period

    Every policy comes with some waiting period. When talking about mental illness, you need to serve a waiting period before applying for the claim.
  • Policy Review

    Read the reviews given by policyholders and understand how the company works in terms of claims and renewal. Also, check their Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR) to be on the safe side.

Health Insurance for Mental Ailments

 
 

A modern-day digital insurance plan offering you cashless OPD and diagnostic services along with basic coverage and healthcare benefits.

Unique Features

  • Early age enrolment discounts
  • Annually 10 OPD consultations
  • No room rent capping
 

This plan is designed for youngsters and allows the policyholder to go overseas for treatments.

Unique Features

  • Exclusive maternity benefits
  • Adoption is included
  • Borderless facilities
 

A standard health insurance policy that covers individual and family hospitalisation as well as infertility treatment and critical illnesses.

Unique Benefits

  • Free Health Check-ups
  • 2nd Medical Opinion
  • Psychiatric illness Cover

Why You Should Opt for Mental Illness Health Insurance?

Mental illness health insurance provides several benefits to the policyholders. Some of them are given below:

  • Cashless Treatment

    You will get cashless treatment in any of the network hospitals in case of a problem related to mental illness.
  • Enhance your Savings

    Mental illness is a common problem nowadays, and it will often end up draining your hard-earned money. Thus, having a health insurance policy for mental illness can help you save a significant amount towards your happy future.
  • Tax Benefits

    You will get highly valued tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. You can claim the deduction against the premiums you paid towards the medical insurance policy.
  • Reduced Stigma

    If you have a mental illness health insurance, you can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help when required. Health insurance makes it easier to reach out to professionals and access treatment without the fear of judgment.
  • Coverage for Treatment

    Mental health treatment like therapy, counselling, medications, and hospitalization can be expensive. Mental illness health insurance provides coverage for all kinds of treatments related to mental illness.

Tips to Support Your Mental Health and Well-Being

We know that physical health changes over time, the same applies to mental health. Our mind helps us to cope with stress. Many people face hard times that directly affect their mental well-being. But there are ways that you can work on and keep yourself mentally fit.

  • Make a habit of journaling. Write down your thoughts on a paper or use some journaling apps.
  • Practice meditation or other mindful practices.
  • Reframe your thoughts and use cognitive behavioural therapy.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises.
  • Go for a walk daily.
  • Listen to good music.
  • Engage in activities that you find meaningful & enjoyable, like gardening or painting.
  • Spend your time with friends and loved ones, those who care about your overall well-being.

The Bottom Line

Indeed, mental health is not the same as mental illness. Mental health is your overall mental status & well-being. It can be super joyful, poor or something in the middle. We all experience ups and downs in our lives. But, to deal with these situations we need to help ourselves or seek help from others. Mental illness is a health condition where you must require a professional. If you feel that you are facing some issues, get help from a professional.

Fortunately, when it comes to having mental illness health insurance, our expert advisors at PolicyX can help you with it.

Mental Illness vs Mental Health

1. Why mental health is important?

Mental health is important for overall well-being and quality of life. It directly impacts our thinking, feelings, and behaviours, and influences our ability to cope with stress.

2. How can I improve my mental health by myself?

You can practice mindful and joyful activities, like gardening, painting, dancing, etc to keep your mental health improved.

3. Is mental illness treatable?

Yes, mental illness is treatable. You can seek professional help for therapy and medications.

4. Does health insurance cover mental health treatments?

Yes, many health insurance plans cover mental illness.

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Simran Saxena

Written By: Simran Saxena

An explorer and a curious person, Simran has worked in the field of insurance for more than 3 years. Traveling and writing is her only passion and hobby. Her main agenda is to transform insurance information into a piece that is easy to understand and solves the reader’s query seamlessly.