Mind and body: mental illness as an “invisible” or hidden condition

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between mental health and physical health. In this creative nonfiction piece that draws on lived experience, the author takes issue with general conceptions of mental health conditions which hold that mental illness is an “invisible” condition or a hidden condition. Design/methodology/approach The author argues through a creative writing and introspective approach that mental health conditions are clearly seen, not simply metaphorically but physically and through the body. Findings Contrary to general perceptions, a mental health condition is not as invisible as we might think. Originality/value This matters, because lived experience through creative writing is seldom published in academic journals, but this is precisely what would allow us to better understand mental health as embodied and to see concrete linkages between physical and mental health, with implications for policy and law.