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Mind Your Health

Mental illness can affect every aspect of a person’s life such as relationships, ability to think and react, and general interest in life and work.

 

Most of us would agree that living a healthy lifestyle makes good sense to our overall health and well-being. Being active, eating healthy, and yearly visits to the doctor are some practices that can help to improve or maintain health. However, mental health is just as important as physical health and should not go unchecked. If we do not take care of our mental health, it could develop into a mental illness. Mental illness can affect every aspect of a person’s life such as relationships, ability to think and react, and general interest in life and work.

The more common types of mental illness among Canadians include depression and anxiety disorders.

Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness that affects over one million Canadians yearly. It causes people to lose pleasure from daily life, complicates other conditions and can lead to suicide. Many people will experience symptoms of depression (e.g., unhappiness, feelings of failure, worthlessness, self-blame, disappointment). However, it becomes clinical depression when these feelings continue for many weeks and interfere with a person’s work and social life.

Anxiety Disorders
More common than depression are anxiety disorders which affect about eight million Canadians. They are illnesses that cause people to feel frightened, distressed and uneasy for no apparent reason. Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders, which include panic disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorders. These disorders can affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions, and physical health.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms
The following chart lists some signs and symptoms that a person might experience with depression or anxiety disorders. Awareness of the signs and symptoms can help individuals recognize if they have a mental illness and aid them in reaching out earlier for assistance.

 

DEPRESSION

  • Persistently sad, anxious or “empty” mood
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Inability to concentrate or make decisions
  • Avoid being around other people
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

 

ANXIETY DISORDERS

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Racing heart, tensebmuscles, breathlessness
  • Chest pains, tightness, or discomfort
  • External worries (i.e., blame others)
    or worry about the future
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Shaking and dizziness

 

NOTE: If these symptoms persist and begin to interfere with daily work and social activities, get in touch with a health care provider.


Men and Women
Even though men and women can experience similar signs and symptoms from depression and anxiety disorders, the coping strategies can be very different. Men are more likely to talk about physical rather than emotional symptoms. This can prevent men from communicating their mental illness symptoms and getting the necessary early diagnosis or treatment from their health care provider.

On the other hand, women will usually express their symptoms through emotions, which can make it easier to recognize the signs of a mental illness and get help sooner. Women are more likely to communicate how they are feeling with family, friends and their health care provider. They are also more accepting of taking medications for their mental illness once they are diagnosed.

By being in tune with your physical and mental health, you can enhance your overall quality of life. If you or someone you know are experiencing the signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety disorders, contact a qualified health care provider.

 

PREVENTING MENTAL ILLNESS
To improve or maintain mental well-being in both men and women, consider the following suggestions:

  • Take up a hobby - Hobbies can create balance and give you something to enjoy free of the regular daily pressures.
  • express yourself - Keep a journal or talk to someone you trust. This may relieve stress and give you a new outlook.
  • Manage finances - Create financial goals and a practical budget. See an advisor or a bank for guidance.
  • eat well and stay fit - Eating a healthy and balanced diet and participation in regular physical activity can improve your mental state.
  • Include “ME” Time - Take time away from everyday tasks. A little recharge will go a long way and even increase your productivity and focus upon return.
  • set personal goals - Choose goals that you are likely to achieve. This will build confidence and a sense of fulfillment.
  • Treat yourself - Celebrate even small successes with something you really enjoy. Make sure your treats are consistent with your overall health goals.
  • Have a mental health check-up - Discuss your mental health as part of your annual check-up with a qualified health professional.
Prevention Suggestions adapted from: Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary
Region (n.d.)Mental fitness tips: Better mental health begins with you. Retrieved
July 25, 2006, from http://www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca/mentalhealth/Mental%20Fitness.aspx



KEY REFERENCES:

Government of Canada. (2006). The human face of mental health and mental illness in Canada. (Catalogue No. HP5-19/2006E). Ottawa ON: Minister of PublicWorks and Government Services Canada.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatment. (n.d). Depression and anxiety. Retrieved July 30, 2006 from http://www.canmat.org/resources /depression/index.html

Noble, R. E. (2005). Depression in women. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 54 (Suppl 1), 49-52.
 
last modified 2008-09-29