Health and Ill Health

Health and Ill Health

Definition of Health

• Health is more than just the absence of disease; it’s a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being as defined by the World Health Organisation.
• There’s also a subjective definition of health which considers individual’s own perception about their health status.
• Health could be seen through a continuum, ranging from excellent health to severe illness.

Physical Health

• Refers to the condition of our body, how well it functions and its ability to perform normal activities.
• It’s usually affected by factors like diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.

Mental Health

• Concerns our emotional and psychological state; our ability to think, feel and behave appropriately.
• Several factors including genetics, environment, and personal history can influence mental health.

Social Health

• Involves the ability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, engage in social activities and play respective roles in family and community.

Definition of Ill Health

• Ill health is not solely the presence of a disease or disability but a state where physical, mental and/or social wellbeing fails.
• Illnesses can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
• They may also be categorised as communicable (infectious) or non-communicable (non-infectious).

Physical Ill Health

• Refers to sickness or disability that affects the body.
• It can include ailments like infections, injuries, genetic disorders, or diseases.

Mental Ill Health

• Relates to psychological or emotional conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, and behaviour.
• These conditions can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, among others.

Social Ill Health

• Deals with social problems such as isolation, lack of support, poor relationships, which can affect overall health and perception of life.

The Biopsychosocial Model

• The biopsychosocial model proposes that health and illness are determined by a combination of biological (genetic, biochemical, etc), psychological (moods, emotions, personality, behaviour) and social factors (culture, socioeconomic status, family, and others).
• It supports holistic consideration and treatment of health and ill health.