Mental health is comprised of complex and significant issues for individuals and society. There is much to be learned and reflected upon. The Government of Canada has an infographic about mental illness in Canada which provides good information in a visual way with examples of mental illness and how mental illness can impact anyone. Also, check the Canadian Mental Health Association website for more mental health facts which provide good starting points on aspects of mental health in Canada. Consider this:
Mental health and mental illness: what's the difference:
- Mental health and mental illness are frequently used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing
- "Mental health" is a concept similar to "physical health." It refers to a state of well-being. Mental health includes emotions, feelings of connections to other people and being able to manage life's highs and lows.
Who is affected?
- Everyone has mental health and will experience challenges in their mental well-being, but not everyone experiences a mental illness
- Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time either through their own experiences, or that of a family member, friend or colleague
- In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness
- By ae 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness
- Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures. However, systemic inequalities such as racism, poverty, homelessness, discrimination, colonial and gender-based violence can worsen mental health and symptoms of mental illness, especially if mental health supports are challenging to access
What causes mental illness and substance use problems?
- Mental illnesses are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors
- Life events such as violence and trauma during childhood or adulthood can give rise to mental health and substance abuse problems if supports for recovery aren't available or sought
- Stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses and substance abuse problems present a significant barrier to diagnosis and treatment but also to access to housing, employment and other basic necessities
For additional information on mental health, please consider reviewing the World Health Organization's website which includes key facts, concepts in mental health, determinants of mental health, mental health promotion and prevention, care and treatment. It also offers their Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan: 2013-2030.
From: Mental Health Facts in Canada l CMHA National
