Geva Ledezma Salerno

Independent Mental Wellness Educator and Author, USA

Title: Beyond Symptom Reduction: Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Health and Mental Wellness

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Biography

Geva Ledezma-Salerno is a nationally certified wellness practitioner, author, and educator who helps people understand the factors that support mental wellness, including nutrition, lifestyle, and daily well-being practices. With a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, a Master's degree in International Policy, and more than 20 years of experience researching mental wellness, she blends science with practical strategies that make healthy change feel achievable. She is the author of Nutrition for Mental Wellness and its companion workbook and is currently writing Principles of Mental Wellness, which explores the relationship between mental health and mental wellness. Through her work, she advocates for greater dialogue between mental health and mental wellness professionals and for approaches that support resilience, well-being, and human flourishing.

Abstract

Mental health discussions frequently focus on the prevention, assessment, and treatment of psychological disorders and emotional distress. While these efforts are essential, the concept of mental wellness is often used interchangeably with mental health and remains less clearly defined. This overlap may limit opportunities to promote proactive approaches to well-being that extend beyond symptom management and clinical care.

Purpose

This presentation explores whether a clearer distinction between mental health and mental wellness may benefit practitioners, educators, and the public. Mental health is discussed primarily in relation to the prevention and treatment of psychological conditions, while mental wellness is examined as the intentional cultivation of well-being through practices that support resilience, self-awareness, purpose, healthy relationships, and quality of life. The presentation considers how these complementary perspectives may work together to provide more comprehensive support across the continuum of human experience.

Discussion

The presentation examines opportunities for collaboration between mental health professionals and mental wellness practitioners in areas such as public education, prevention initiatives, workplace well-being programs, community-based wellness efforts, and coordinated approaches to ongoing support and personal development. By recognizing their distinct areas of focus while acknowledging shared goals, professionals from both fields may be better positioned to support individuals across the continuum from prevention and well-being to psychological distress, recovery, and flourishing.  

Conclusion

Greater clarity regarding the relationship between mental health and mental wellness may help practitioners, educators, and communities recognize the value of both treatment-oriented and wellness-oriented approaches. Rather than viewing mental wellness as an alternative to mental health care, this perspective positions it as a complementary domain that may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of human well-being and support greater collaboration among professionals dedicated to improving quality of life.