illbeing

Illbeing, or ill-being, is the state of experiencing ill health, distress, or reduced psychosocial functioning that negatively affects an individual's quality of life. It covers physical illness, mental health problems, disabilities, chronic conditions, acute illness, and social adversity. The term is sometimes used to describe a continuum between health and illness, acknowledging subjective suffering and functional impairment that may not align with a medical diagnosis alone.

Illbeing is often contrasted with well-being, which denotes positive evaluations of life, functioning, and flourishing. In public health and social science, illbeing serves as a counterpoint to indicators of flourishing and is used to measure the burden of disease, disability, and distress beyond mortality or incidence rates.

Measurement of illbeing relies on self-reported and objective indicators, including perceived health status, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood symptoms, anxiety or depression, functional limitations, and social isolation. Health-related quality of life and mental health scales capture aspects of illbeing and are used at individual, community, and national levels to guide policy and intervention.

Determinants of illbeing are multifactorial, encompassing biological factors, mental health conditions, and social determinants such as poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and unsafe environments. Responses include medical care, mental health services, social support programs, and policies that reduce risk factors, improve access to care, and strengthen resilience. The concept informs research and policy by highlighting burdens that are not captured by mortality alone.