Mental Health 101
Understanding and putting into words what is going on in our bodies, but also in our heads, is important!
This is why we have made an overview of some resources available for teenagers and young adults in our province but also in Canada.
What ARE Mental Health Challenges ?
Mental health challenges is the reduced ability for a person to function effectively over a prolonged period of time because of:
- significant levels of distress
- changes in thinking, mood or behaviour
- feelings of isolation, loneliness and sadness
- the feeling of being disconnected from people and activities
(Gouvernement of Canada- About Mental Illness)
Here are some examples of mental health struggles that adolescents and adults often face in their lifetime :
Anxiety :
noun
a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
"he felt a surge of anxiety" (Oxford languages)
How to better understand THIS CHALLENGE:
Living with Anxiety Disorders, is an excellent tool to help identify and learn about the different types of anxiety disorders. Too much anxiety can affect our judgement and our ability to make simple decisions.
Anxiety Canada provides an excellent overview of the challenges a person with anxiety may face. It offers advice, resources and statistics to better understand the current situation in Canada.
Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in Canada?
You are NOT alone!
Depression :
It is normal for children and youth to feel sad from time to time. But this sadness doesn’t stop them from going on with their everyday activities. And it goes away on its own. Depression, on the other hand, is a sadness so severe that it interferes with everyday life.
Typical symptoms of depression (aka clinical depression, or major depressive disorder) are:
Feeling sad, worried, irritable or angry.
Lack of enjoyment in life, or troubles enjoying anything
Feeling hopeless and worthless,
Troubles coping with everyday activities at home, school, or work
Problems with sleep, energy, appetite and concentration (Information from eMentalHealth.ca.)
How to better UNDERSTAND THIS CHALLENGE :
CAMH's website is full of statistics and additional resources on the subject of depression and other mental health challenges that can be experienced over the course of a lifetime.
The Government of Canada also provides a number of tools to assist you if you are feeling depressed.
Debunking some common myths :
Depression is not the same as having a bad day.
OCD is not the same as being organized.
ADHD is not the same as being hyperactive.
Anxiety Disorder is not the same as feeling stressed before an exam.
PTSD is not the same thins as feeling upset.
Bipolar Disorder is not the same thing as being moody.