Start a conversation. There are many misconceptions and fears about what mental health means in the context of home, work and school. Often it is the elephant in the room that no one wants or knows how to talk about.
For every text message and long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers today, Bell will donate another 5 cents to programs dedicated to mental health. Last year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day raised $3,303,961.80 in new funding.
Why do we need to start talking about mental health?
One in five Canadians experiences a mental illness at some point in their lives. That means that every Canadian has a family member, friend or colleague coping with mental illness. [Insurance Journal 2003 as cited by the Government of Canada in The Human Face of Mental Illness, 2006].
What does it mean to have good mental health?
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, good mental health means that as individuals we feel well, we are able to deal with life's difficulties, we can achieve our personal goals and we are able to successfully adjust to circumstances.
What is a mental illness?
Mental illness can come in a wide variety of forms such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis or schizophrenia etc and can strike anyone. Only a healthcare professional can diagnose a mental illness.
Do only "bad" people develop mental illness?
No. It is important to remember that people can develop mental illness despite having a wonderful childhood, loving and supportive parents, a good job and a close circle of friends.
How do current attitudes about mental illness affect us?
- The stigma, perceptions and attitudes that many of us have, are cited by two-thirds of people living with mental health problems as the primary reason they do not seek help.
- Words hurt ...terms like "crazy", "nuts" and "schizo" discriminate against people and make people who are struggling feel bad or guilty about it.
- A 2008 poll conducted by the Canadian Medical Association found that almost half of Canadians (46%) think that the term "mental illness" is used as an excuse for bad behaviour.
What are symptoms of depression?
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy
- You are tired all the time and don't have any energy
- You find it hard to concentrate
- You don't want to eat or eat too much
- You are sad and easily upset
- You have lost or gained a considerable amount of weight
What are some symptoms of anxiety disorders?
- Your level of fear or anxiety doesn't reflect what is going on in your life
- You experience chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or fluttering of the heart
- You have specific habits or rituals to control anxiety
- Your worries get in the way of everyday activities
Are willpower and a positive attitude enough to treat mental illness?
No. You need to find the help of a healthcare professional and build a support network of trusted family and friends around you. No one can do it alone.
Why don't people seek help?
- They feel that it will just go away
- They believe that they have to deal with what they are feeling alone
- They think what they are feeling is just part of life
- They are afraid that seeking help means they are "crazy"
What is our reaction to our friends and colleagues when they become mentally ill?
In contrast to physical illness, it is often withdrawal. But this is largely because people lack knowledge of what mental illness means and how they can help or be helped. It can be as simple as sending a get well card to someone who is off work because of a mental illness.
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