MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS

CONTINUUM
HEALTH ILLNESS CONTINUUM
 The health illness ● It describes how well being
is more than simply an
continuum is a absence of illness, but also
graphic illustration of incorporates the individuals
mental and emotional health.
a well being, concept ● Travis believed that the
first proposed by standard approach to
medicines, which assumes a
John.W.Travis in 1972 person is well when there are
no signs or symptoms of
disease, was insufficient.
 ILLNESS-WELLNESS CONTINUUM
__
Wellness Paradigm
PRE- HIGH
MATURE LEVEL
DEATH Disability Symptoms Signs Awareness Education Growth WELLNESS
TREATMENT PARADIGM __

Neutral Point
(No discernable illness or wellness)
● Composed of two arrows in opposite direction and
joined at a neutral point.
 Achieved in three steps:
Movement to the right of
➢ AWARENESS
the arrows (toward the
high level of wellness)
equals an increase in level ➢ EDUCATION
of health and well being,
➢ GROWTH
 Achieved in three steps:

Movement to the left of

the arrows (towards ➢ SIGNS

premature death) equates a

progressively decreasing ➢ SYMPTOMS

state of health.
➢ Disability
 ILLNESS-WELLNESS CONTINUUM
__
Wellness Paradigm
PRE- HIGH
MATURE LEVEL
DEATH Disability Symptoms Signs Awareness Education Growth WELLNESS
TREATMENT PARADIGM __

Neutral Point
(No discernable illness or wellness)
● Most important is the direction is the
individual facing on the pathway.
A. If towards high level of health, a person has genuinely
optimistic or positive outlook despite his/her health status.

B. If towards premature death, a person has a genuinely

pessimistic or negative outlook about his/her health status
● Compares treatment model with a wellness model,

➢ If treatment model is used, an individual can move right only to the

neutral point.
Example: A hypertensive client who only takes his medications without
making any other lifestyle changes.

➢ If wellness model is used, an individual can move right past the neutral
point.
Example: A hypertensive client not only takes medications but stood
smoking, loses weight, starts an exercise programme etc.