Mental and emotional health is seldom all or nothing. 

Functioning can be high or low and many places in between. Like physical health, it can vary, even day-to-day. Few people are on top of their game every day, month in and month out. 

There is a rhythm to fitness, mental and physical. 

There are days I feel up and days I feel down.

This does not make me unstable. 

It makes me human. 

But, if, when I am up and my ups are disturbing to others and costly to myself and my family, even dangerous, then my ups may indeed indicate something deeper and I am probably in need of professional help. 

When I am down it may be time to rest or time for a change of diet or change of pace. 

The fix may be known and easy.

But, if I am so down that I cannot get myself out of bed and get myself to work for days or even weeks at a time and my employment is threatened, it certainly suggests it is time for me to seek help.

It’s all about levels of functioning. Mental health issues are only an issue when they disturb functioning, cost us our relationships, or lead to destructive behaviors.

Welcome to the continuum.