Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Home › Defining "Mental Health"? ›

Reply to comment

Paul B's picture

(dis)ability to function - key in defining mental illness

Submitted by Paul B on Fri, 09/12/2008 - 3:11pm.

A mental illness is a state of mind (be it depressed, manic, etc) that disables one from functioning in a given society. The difference between someone quirky and mentally ill lies with the ability to function.

Now how do we establish what is functioning in a given society? This is problematic because it's very subjective as it depends on which society one lives in. Even if we consider present day American society, there are many different experiences and perspectives. Nevertheless, maybe there are some behaviors that are universally characterized as dysfunctional (such as harming oneself, etc).

I look forward to hearing others' definitions. It sure is difficult to talk about mental illness without understanding everyone's definition.

Reply

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
16 + 4 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities

Scanning electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2

Remote Ready Biology Learning Activities has 50 remote-ready activities, which work for either your classroom or remote teaching.

Narrative is determined not by a desire to narrate but by a desire to exchange. (Roland Barthes, S/Z)

What's New? Subscribe to Serendip Studio