The difference between "wellbeing" and "being well" lies in the breadth and depth of their meanings, with "wellbeing" encompassing a more holistic and nuanced state of health than simply "being well."
According to the reference, being well is more than just not being sick. The term "wellbeing" is preferred because, "rather than being totally black and white, it allows for a sliding scale - degrees of being well - from poor to optimal and takes in all factors - not just our physical health."
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Being Well | Wellbeing |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Primarily focuses on physical health and absence of illness. | Encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual health. |
| Perspective | Often viewed as a binary state (either well or unwell). | Acknowledges a spectrum of health and fulfillment, from poor to optimal. |
| Factors | Mostly related to physical symptoms and medical indicators. | Considers lifestyle, relationships, environment, purpose, and overall life satisfaction. |
| Example | Absence of disease or physical discomfort. | Feeling healthy, happy, fulfilled, connected, and resilient. |
In essence:
- Being well is often about the absence of illness or physical ailments. It focuses on a more limited set of factors, primarily physical health.
- Wellbeing represents a more holistic and positive state. It incorporates not just physical health but also mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual aspects of life. It is not a fixed state but rather a sliding scale reflecting the overall quality of one's life experience.
