October is Mental Health Awareness Month
by Cheyanne Head
Photo by Emily Underworld on Unsplash
Did you know that by the age of 40 around 50% of the population will have, or have already had, a mental illness? Well, October is Mental Health Awareness Month and we’re here to talk about it!
We’ve probably all heard the terms “mental health” and “mental illness” at some point, but what’s the difference? Well, “mental health” encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being. The World Health Organization states that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities, but involves the active pursuit of wellness and happiness. Being in good mental health allows us to effectively manage daily responsibilities (work, school, caregiving), maintain healthy relationships, adjust to changes in our lives and demonstrate psychological resilience. “Mental illness” is a term that refers to all diagnosable health disorders that involve significant changes in thinking, emotion or behaviour. These disorders usually involve distress, or problems functioning in social, work or family situations, and can involve a wide variety of forms and severities.
So, what causes mental illness? Mental illness is a culmination of biological, genetic, personality and environmental factors, and can affect people of all ages, socioeconomic status, backgrounds, religions and cultures. If you’ve been affected by mental illness, you’re not alone.
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health still precludes some people from reaching out or getting help. Let’s all try to consciously work toward breaking down the stigma around mental illness. Here are a few things you can do to contribute:
Use respectful and appropriate language when discussing mental health.
Challenge misconceptions or stereotypes when you hear them.
Reach out to someone who you think may be struggling and offer them support.
Recognize that the person is more than just their condition.
It’s no secret that things like exercise, a healthy diet, and sleeping well can have a positive impact on your mental health, but what else can you do? A recent study showed that even just brief and informal mindfulness practices for a total of two hours a week for eight weeks decreased stress, feelings of anxiety and depression, and increased overall satisfaction with life. These effects were maintained for even up to two and a half months after the program ended!1
Here are some things you can do for your mental health:
Prioritize eating well;
Consistently get a good night’s sleep;
Exercise daily;
Decrease intake of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes;
Maintain positive relationships (friends, family, coworkers, neighbours, etc);
Reduce your stress levels;
Practice mindfulness and meditation;
Do things you enjoy! (creating art, spending time in nature, reading a book, for example), and
Spend less time on screens.
Turning these small actions into daily habits can inspire big change over time. Here at the BC Brain Wellness Program, we know how interconnected the mind and the body are. We encourage you to prioritize your mental health and support those around you to do the same.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, please talk to a doctor, mental health professional, counselor or social worker. If you’re at immediate risk for suicide, please call emergency services.
Here are some resources to find counseling, coping mechanisms and support groups:
References:
Shankland R, Tessier D, Strub L, Gauchet A, Baeyens C. Improving Mental Health and Well-Being through Informal Mindfulness Practices: An Intervention Study. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2021 Feb;13(1):63-83. doi: 10.1111/aphw.12216. Epub 2020 Aug 26. PMID: 32851775.
https://cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness
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