Selfadvocatenet.com in support of Mental Health Week. May 7, 2018 to May 13, 2018
We will be highlighting throughout week about mental health why is it important to look after your self
factors that can cause mental issues as we age this could happen to people with disabilities others
Statement on Mental Health Week and Child and Youth Mental Health Day
Monday, May 7, 2018 8:00 AM
Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development; and Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, have released the following statement in recognition of Mental Health Week, from May 7 to 13, 2018, and Child and Youth Mental Health Day on May 7, 2018:
“At any given time, one in five Canadians is dealing with mental-health issues, and if we go family by family, almost everyone experiences mental illness some time. Child and Youth Mental Health Day and Mental Health Week are an important time for all British Columbians to come together and spread awareness about how mental health affects us all, and give this important day and week the heartfelt recognition that it deserves.
“This year’s National Child and Youth Mental Health Day is about creating a safe space for children, youth and adults to have courageous conversations about mental health. For Mental Health Week, British Columbians and Canadians are being called on to speak out, to #GetLoud on social media and in the community about what mental health means to you, and the people you care about. Both awareness events are focused on helping combat the stigma around mental health, so that everyone feels comfortable asking for help.
“Our government recognizes that supporting people’s mental health is just as important as supporting their physical health, at every stage of life. Premier John Horgan created the new Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions – the first of its kind in Canada – so there is one person in cabinet, and one ministry in government, focused solely on how we can improve mental-health and addictions services and supports for all British Columbians.
“At any one time in B.C., approximately 84,000 children and youth, aged four to 17 years have a mental-health disorder. Only about one-third of them connect with the community-based supports and services they need. We know that early intervention and prevention are key to giving our children and youth the best start possible in life, so we must make sure young people feel comfortable asking for help. We must also make sure the mental-health services and supports they need are there, when and where they need them.
“To this end, we are working to create a seamless system of mental-health and addictions care, where people can ask once and get help fast. We are developing a comprehensive mental-health and addictions strategy across government, focused on early intervention and prevention, and treatment and recovery.
“The Ministry of Education is addressing early intervention and prevention in schools by adding more supports, so students can begin to discuss mental-health challenges with their teachers or counsellors as soon as these issues develop. The ministry is also holding an inaugural School Community Mental Health Conference, on May 10 and 11, 2018, in Richmond. This conference is designed to build the capacity of regional school-community teams to support students’ mental health. Information gathered at the conference will help inform the development of a school-based mental-health action plan that will be part of a comprehensive cross-government mental-health strategy that is focused on improving access, early intervention and prevention, and youth mental health.
“We are also expanding the network of Foundry Youth centres throughout the province. These centres are one-stop-shops that provide youth with health-care, mental-health and substance-use services, as well as social supports, under one roof, in a safe and judgment-free environment.
“We have a significant amount of work to do, to remove the stigma that keeps people from sharing the struggles they are facing, and from seeking the help they need and deserve.
“We are working to bring down the walls of silence, and raise awareness about the negative impact of stigma, but we cannot do it alone. British Columbians can all play a part in eliminating stigma through our actions and words, so #GetLoud and have caring conversations with your friends and loved ones.
“We are all affected by mental-health challenges in some way. It could be your voice, your empathy and your kindness that make all the difference in someone’s life, and help set the stage for their healing journey.”
BC Govt Website
FamilySmart emerged from mom’s struggle with son’s mental health
VICTORIA Monday, May 7, 2018 11:45 AM
“Why don’t you tell us a little bit about what it’s like for you right now?”
That’s always the first question posed to families with children and youth who are struggling with mental-health issues, said Keli Anderson, founder of FamilySmart. That’s how the connection and relief start.
May 7, 2018, is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day, and Anderson, who also founded the day, knows first-hand how important self-care is when families are struggling with a child’s mental health. That’s why this year’s theme — self-care for children, youth, parents/caregivers and service providers — resonates with her organization’s mandate.
FamilySmart has a network of parents and youth around the province, referred to as Parents in Residence (PiRs) and Youth in Residence (YiRs). They work with families who want to know more, and do more, about mental-health issues affecting their loved ones. Young people and families connect with FamilySmart staff by phone, email or in-person to share what they are looking for, seek emotional support from a peer or get information on resources or tools to help them navigate the complex system of child and youth mental-health services in B.C.
Anderson said, “We have no exclusion criteria, no waitlists, no fees and no filling out of in-take forms.”
She thinks back almost 25 years to when her son, James, was in the throes of a battle she couldn’t get help to explain. “He wasn’t able to function. He couldn’t go to school. He couldn’t be away from us. We were alone and feeling desperate.” James was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder at just 10 years old.
Anderson knew there must be other families experiencing the same frustrations. When she agreed to a feature story on Global News, she got pushback from other parents who could not believe she would put her family on television.
When the story aired, Donna Murphy, whose son, Kelly, died by suicide at age 18, felt compelled to reach out to Anderson. Together, they founded what would become FamilySmart in 1999, under the name The F.O.R.C.E. Society for Kids’ Mental Health.
Anderson’s story also resonated with Marlisse McRobie, whose son, Braeden, would have major meltdowns and was violent toward other kids. McRobie emailed a name she found off the FamilySmart website and got a response right away. “That email changed our path,” McRobie said.
Braeden is now 21, has graduated from high school and has a full-time job as a server. He is considering returning to school to study psychology. Anderson said James is turning 30 this year and has a full-time job, is in a long-term relationship and is happy.
These moms know that there are many more kids and parents out there who need help, and FamilySmart is there for them. All they need to do is make that first, important phone call.
Learn More:
- FamilySmart, which received $1 million from the Ministry of Children and Family Development in 2018-19, is a non-profit that provides emotional support, training and resources to families who are living with children and youth struggling with mental-health and/or substance-use issues in British Columbia.
- For more information on FamilySmart, call toll free: 1 855 887-8004, or visit: www.familysmart.ca
- Learn about government and partner resources for child and teen mental health: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=2A94E68296D14113970C05B4257E8099
BC Govt Website
Statement by the Prime Minister on Mental Health Week
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Mental Health Week:
“This week, I encourage all Canadians to raise their voices and #GetLoud for mental health. Led by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Week calls on all of us to share our stories and listen to others, and make sure those struggling with mental health issues know they are not alone.
“Mental health is an essential part of our well-being, yet too often is treated differently than other forms of health. Shame and discrimination lead many people to suffer in silence, and to not speak up and seek help. We all share a responsibility to encourage open and honest conversations, while looking out for signs of psychological and emotional distress – at home, in classrooms, and in our workplaces.
“Together, we are stronger and more resilient when we break through the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and make sure people have the support they need.
The Government of Canada is committed to doing its part, and working with provincial and territorial governments to improve access to mental health services. Budget 2018 continues to deliver on this commitment, with greater support for Indigenous Peoples, Canadians in uniform, and first responders, including those living in remote or rural areas.
“Investments made in Budget 2018 will help deliver culturally appropriate addictions treatment and prevention services in Indigenous communities, as well as provide former residential school students and their families with greater access to mental health and emotional support services.
To support Canadians in uniform, Budget 2018 introduces a new Pension for Life initiative and expanded tax credits for psychiatric service dogs.Budget 2018 also provides funding for a new research consortium to help address post-traumatic stress injuries among first responders, as well as to explore Internet-based therapy for first responders in rural and remote areas.
“The Government appreciates the mental health implications of social media and internet use on Canadians. To that end, Budget 2018 proposes a new investment of $5 million to enhance and develop preventative bullying and cyberbullying initiatives. Through the Get Cyber Safe campaign, we will make sure families and young people have the resources and support they need to navigate safely online and deal with internet-related addictions.
“Mental health issues have affected so many of us, including my own family. There is no shame in struggling with a mental illness. Today, I call on all Canadians to talk – freely and openly – about what mental health means to them. By joining together and raising our voices, we can help everyone live better, healthier lives.”
What is mental health?
Mental health can affect daily life, relationships, and even physical health. Mental health also includes a person’s ability to enjoy life – to attain a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.
In this article, we will explain what is meant by the terms “mental health” and “mental illness.” We will also describe the most common types of mental disorder and how they are treated. The article will also cover some early signs of mental health problems.
Definition
Mental health problems can affect anyone at any age.
According to Medilexicon’s medical dictionary, mental health is:
“Emotional, behavioral, and social maturity or normality; the absence of a mental or behavioral disorder; a state of psychological well-being in which one has achieved a satisfactory integration of one’s instinctual drives acceptable to both oneself and one’s social milieu; an appropriate balance of love, work, and leisure pursuits.”
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), mental health is:
“… a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
The WHO stresses that mental health “is not just the absence of mental disorder.”
Risk factors
Experts say we all have the potential to develop mental health problems, no matter how old we are, whether we are male or female, rich or poor, or which ethnic group we belong to.
Almost 1 in 5 Americans experiences mental health problems each year (18.5 percent). In the United States, in 2015, an estimated 9.8 million adults (over 18) had a serious mental disorder. That equates to 4.8 percent of all American adults.
A large proportion of the people who have a mental disorder have more than one.
In the U.S. and much of the developed world, mental disorders are one of the leading causes of disability.
Common disorders
The most common types of mental illness are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia disorders; below we explain each in turn:
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness.
Anxiety disorders are the most common types of mental illness.
The individual has a severe fear or anxiety, which is linked to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety.
Examples of anxiety disorders include:
Panic disorder – the person experiences sudden paralyzing terror or a sense of imminent disaster.
Phobias – these may include simple phobias (a disproportionate fear of objects), social phobias (fear of being subject to the judgment of others), and agoraphobia (dread of situations where getting away or breaking free may be difficult). We really do not know how many phobias there are – there could be thousands of types.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – the person has obsessions and compulsions. In other words, constant stressful thoughts (obsessions), and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts, such as hand washing (compulsion).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – this can occur after somebody has been through a traumatic event – something horrible or frightening that they experienced or witnessed. During this type of event, the person thinks that their life or other people’s lives are in danger. They may feel afraid or feel that they have no control over what is happening.
Mood disorders
These are also known as affective disorders or depressive disorders. Patients with these conditions have significant changes in mood, generally involving either mania (elation) or depression. Examples of mood disorders include:
Major depression – the individual is no longer interested in and does not enjoy activities and events that they previously liked. There are extreme or prolonged periods of sadness.
Bipolar disorder – previously known as manic-depressive illness, or manic depression. The individual switches from episodes of euphoria (mania) to depression (despair).
Persistent depressive disorder – previously known as dysthymia, this is mild chronic (long term) depression. The patient has similar symptoms to major depression but to a lesser extent.
SAD (seasonal affective disorder) – a type of major depression that is triggered by lack of daylight. It is most common in countries far from the equator during late autumn, winter, and early spring.
Schizophrenia disorders
Whether or not schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses has yet to be fully determined. It is a highly complex condition. Schizophrenia normally begins between the ages of 15 and 25. The individual has thoughts that appear fragmented; they also find it hard to process information.
Schizophrenia has negative and positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack of motivation, and a flat or inappropriate mood. (See the article “What is schizophrenia” for further detail).
Early signs
It is not possible to reliably tell whether someone is developing a mental health problem; however, if certain signs appear in a short space of time, it may offer clues:
Using drugs more than normal can be an early sign of a mental health issue.
- Withdrawing from people or activities they would normally enjoy.
- Sleeping or eating too much or too little.
- Feeling as if nothing matters.
- Consistently low energy.
- Using drugs more than normal (including alcohol and nicotine).
- Displaying uncharacteristic emotions.
- Confusion.
- Not being able to complete standard tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal.
- Persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly.
- Thinking of harming one’s self or others.
- Hearing voices.
- Delusions.
Treatment
There are various ways people with mental health problems might receive treatment. It is important to know that what works for one person may not work for another; this is especially the case with mental health.
Some strategies or treatments are more successful when combined with others. A patient with a chronic mental disorder may choose different options at different stages in their life. The majority of experts say that a well-informed patient is probably the best judge of what treatment suits them best.
Treatments can include:
Psychotherapy (talking therapies) – this is a psychological approach to treating mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are examples.
Medication – although it can not cure mental disorders, some medications can improve symptoms.
Self-help – including lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, sleeping more, and eating well.
This on website called Medical News Today
Mental Illnesses
Mental illnesses are health problems that affect the mind—your thoughts, your emotions, your behaviours.
There are many different mental illnesses, and they affect people in different ways.
In this section, learn more about the different mental illnesses, learn more about treatment and recovery, and find help in your community.
https://mentalhealthweek.ca/6-signs-of-good-mental-health/
Stay tune I will be posting more on mental health week when closer to May 7th
Meantime check out above information on mental health so you can learn about causes mental illness.
And how to get help and look after your mind body and Sprite.
Self Advocates its your life choices you need in order not get a mental illness.
1. up to you make change
2 is talk to people get you help
3 good night sleep
4th exercise the mind body so can heal your body and mind and
5th is eat good healthy food
6 don’t do drugs or smoke or drink alcohol
7 make decisions that you feel is best for you is what makes you feel better and live your life as you see it
So to anyone with story tell go to our submit story and tell us about your experiences with dealing with mental illness how you achive your goal to turn your live around https://camd25.sg-host.com/submit-your-story2/
