men·tal
/ˈmen(t)l/
adjective
1. relating to the mind.
health
/helTH/
noun
1. the state of being free from illness or injury.
Everyone reading this has mental health. It is a state of well being similar to our physical health and it needs to be looked after. Mental illness is different from mental health. Mental illness is more of a disruption in our thoughts, feelings and perceptions that affect our day to day lives. Poor mental health can lead to mental illness. Schizophrenia, PTSD and anxiety disorders are just a few examples of mental illness.
Just because you haven’t been diagnosed with a mental illness doesn’t mean that you feel great all the time. All of us have experienced disturbances to our well being which can include stress, burnout or a loss of a loved one. All of us are susceptible to the highs and lows of well being.
1 in 5 people in will experience a mental health issue or illness in Canada this year.
Mental health can be extremely complex and everyone has their own unique experience. Good mental health can look very different from one person to another. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association good mental health includes the following:
- A sense of purpose
2. Strong relationships
3. Feeling connected to others
4. Being self aware
5. Coping with stress
6. Enjoying life
1 in 2 people struggling with mental health issues aren’t receiving the necessary help, indicating a significant gap in access to support services.
1 in 8 people have experienced high levels of anxiety, emphasizing the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the population.
21 people die every day in Canada due to opioid overdose, shedding light on the opioid crisis and its impact on mental health.
200 people in Canada attempt suicide every day, underscoring the urgent need for mental health awareness, support, and intervention.
Canada has come far in mental health, but there’s more work needed. We must fight stigma, improve access to services, and promote understanding for a healthier nation.