Are “Mental Health” and “Anxiety” Overused?

 

Mental health is often misunderstood. Many people hear mental health and immediately associate it with conditions like depression or anxiety disorders. But the truth is, everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, how we think, feel, and behave in daily life. 

 

Just like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum. It can be good, where we feel balanced, resilient, and able to handle life’s challenges. Or it can be poor, where stress, trauma, or other factors start to impact our well-being. But struggling with a tough day or feeling stressed does not automatically mean someone has a mental health condition. 

 

Similarly, anxiety is a word that is often misused. Many people say, “My anxiety is bad today” when they really mean they’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or nervous. While anxiety is a natural response to stress, it is not the same as having an anxiety disorder. 

 

Anxiety, in its proper function, is an important survival mechanism. It helps keep us vigilant and prepared for potential dangers. A certain level of anxiety is completely normal, even necessary. It’s what motivates us to prepare for a big presentation, study for an exam, or be cautious in risky situations. 

 

However, an anxiety disorder is when this response becomes excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable. It can lead to physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and it often interferes with daily life. Simply having a stressful day is not the same as experiencing clinical anxiety. 

 

When we overuse terms like mental health and anxiety in the wrong context, we risk downplaying the reality of those who truly struggle with mental health disorders. Someone experiencing everyday stress is not the same as someone with generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Likewise, having a bad day does not mean one’s mental health is suffering, it may simply mean they’re facing a difficult moment, as we all do. 

 

This doesn’t mean people shouldn’t talk about their feelings, quite the opposite. Open conversations about mental health are vital. But we also need to ensure we’re using the right language so that those who do struggle with mental health conditions feel seen and understood, rather than having their experiences minimised. 

 

So, next time you hear someone say, “My anxiety was awful today,” take a moment to consider—are they truly experiencing anxiety, or just the natural stresses of life? And if you find yourself using the term, ask yourself—am I feeling anxious, or am I just overwhelmed in the moment? 

 

Language matters, and using it correctly can help foster a deeper understanding of what mental health and anxiety really mean.