Raising Awareness or Redefining Illness? The Fine Line Between Mental Health Literacy and Concept Creep

In their article "Public awareness of mental illness: Mental health literacy or concept creep?", Nick Haslam and colleagues explore the increasing public awareness of mental illness and its implications.

The authors note that heightened awareness has led to improved mental health literacy, fostering better understanding, reduced stigma, and increased help-seeking behaviors. However, they also caution against "concept creep," where the boundaries of what is considered mental illness expand, potentially pathologizing normal emotional experiences. This expansion could dilute the significance of serious mental health conditions and strain mental health resources.

For those seeking to maintain mental well-being, it's essential to balance awareness with discernment. Recognizing and addressing genuine mental health issues is vital, but it's equally important to understand that not all distressing emotions signify a mental disorder. Cultivating this balance ensures that individuals receive appropriate support without inadvertently broadening the scope of mental illness unnecessarily.

The article can be seen here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10398562241292202