Mental Health

One in five Canadians will be affected by a mental illness at some point in their lives. When mental illness strikes, it can have an effect on every part of your life. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thoughts or behaviours. These disturbances make it difficult for the sufferer to cope with everyday life. Having a mental illness isn’t a death sentence: there are treatments available that can help you feel better. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)

The stereotypes associated with those who have a mental illness are just as inaccurate as the stereotypes given to people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, religious backgrounds or those with physical disabilities. Several stereotypes commonly associated with those suffering from mental illness include:

  • They are responsible for their conditions and it is their fault.
  • They are violent and uncontrollable.
  • They are less intelligent than the average person.

Because of the stigma attached to mental illness, it is often difficult for those with mental illnesses to find jobs, friends and long-term relationships. Understanding mental illness can help get rid of this stigma.

Causes

Just like there isn’t one mental disorder, there isn’t just one cause for them. Some of the causes behind mental health conditions are:

  • Genetics (inherited and passed down through generations and generations of family members): this doesn’t mean that because a family member has a mental condition, you will too. Rather, it means that this gene is in your genetic make-up and that, combined with other factors, you may be more susceptible to it.
  • Biology: sometimes, if there is an chemical imbalance within the brain’s neurotransmitters, the messages are not clearly sent and this may lead to the symptoms of mental illness.
  • Psychological trauma: some mental illnesses are triggered by experiencing trauma (as a child, adolescent or adult).
  • Environmental stressors: a change in environment can, but doesn’t necessarily, trigger the symptoms for mental illness.

Symptoms

Although symptoms may vary depending on the disorder, they tend to first appear in your teen years and young adulthood (Health Canada). A few symptoms to watch out for:

  • Change in sleeping habits
  • A persistent sad or irritable mood
  • Change in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Talking about death or suicide
  • Not wanting to take part in activities that were previously enjoyed
  • Overexcited
  • Anxious
  • Aggressive or violent behaviour
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Sudden personality changes

Treatment

A diagnosis of a mental illness can only be made by a doctor. The first step towards overcoming any mental health issue is to seek help. There are many different kinds of treatment available to help those with mental illnesses. Among them are medications, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and group therapy.

Need help?

Maintaining good mental health is an important part of your life. Here are a few ways to ensure that you are doing so:

  • Paying attention to the balance in your life. For most teenagers, this means finding a middle ground between school, work and social time.
  • Understanding the interactions between your mind and your body (for example, physical activity can make you feel better mentally).
  • Having people in your life that you trust and can talk to and confide in.
  • If a friend or family member is showing signs of mental illness, encourage him or her to see a doctor.

If you believe you may be suffering from a mental health issue, talk to a doctor, nurse or your school counselor about how you are feeling. They will be able to lead you in the right direction!

Categories

Links

WebMD Youth Health – Mental Health
Canadian Mental Health Association
Student Distress Center: Mental Illness
mindyourmind.ca

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