Mental Health

Fact or Fiction?

100

Mental health issues are rare in Canada.

Fiction. 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The remaining 4 will have a friend, family member or colleague who will.

200

Many Canadian young people are at risk of developing depression.

Fact. The total number of 12-19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million.

300

In Canada, most children requiring mental health services receive the help and support they need.

Fiction. In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them. Only one-third of those who need mental health services in Canada actually receive them.

400

Mental illnesses can be caused by a variety of factors.

Fact. A complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors cause mental illnesses.

500

Mental health issues do not carry stigma.

Fiction. Just 50% of Canadians would tell friends or coworkers that they have a family member with a mental illness, compared to 72% who would discuss diagnoses of cancer or 68% diabetes in the family. · Only 49% said they would socialize with a friend who had a serious mental illness. · 46% of Canadians think people use the term mental illness as an excuse for bad behaviour; and 27% are fearful of being around people who suffer from serious mental illness

Disorders

100

This disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. A person with this disorder may have periods of depression, mania, and normal mood, but must have episodes of both depression and mania to be diagnosed as having ________.

What is Bi-polar Disorder.

200

Some physical symptoms of this are: Chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleeping too much or too little, overeating or loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss or gain, irregular menstrual cycle, loss of sexual desire, unexplained aches and pains.

What is Depression.

300

This disorder is characterized by periods of binging, and then feelings of guilt and the period of purging begins.

What is Bulimia.

400

Some physical symptoms of this type of disorder include: Heart palpitations, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, flushing, hyperventilation, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, etc.

What are Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder.

500

_________ _______ are mental disorders in which a person has lost some contact with reality. There may be severe disturbances in thinking, emotions or behavior. ________ _______ are not as common as depression and anxiety disorders, affecting just over 1% of the population.

What are Psychotic disorders. Psychotic disorders include Schizophrenia, Psychotic Mania, Psychotic Depression, Schizoaffective Disorder and Drug-Induced Psychosis.

True or False

100

Mental health is defined as a constant feeling of contentment.

False. Mental health is defined as striking a balance in all aspects of your life (social, physical, spiritual, economic, mental).

200

Mental illness is a single disorder.

False. Mental illness is not a single illness, but a broad classification for many disorders, including: --Anxiety disorders (ex: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) --Mood disorders (ex: Major Depression) --Psychotic Disorders (ex: Schizophrenia) --Eating disorders (ex: Anorexia, Bulimia) --Personality disorders (ex: Borderline Personality)

300

People with mental illness are not more violent and dangerous than the general population.

True. While popular media often portrays people with mental illness as violent and dangerous, the truth is that, as a group, people experiencing mental illness are no more violent than any other group. In fact, they are far more likely to be the victims of violence than to be violent themselves.

400

People should be ashamed of being diagnosed with a mental illness.

False. There is nothing to be ashamed about. Although there can be fear and stigma surrounding mental illnesses, it is important to remember that this fear and stigma often stems from misinformation. People sometimes make assumptions and judgments about others based on what they think they know, rather than on what is actually true. Stigma occurs when one feels ashamed, disgraced, or rejected, and often accompanies situations where people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. It is important to erase the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses so that more people will gain the confidence they need to seek help.

500

People with mental illnesses can get better.

True. People diagnosed with mental illnesses can still lead very productive and fulfilling lives with the help of treatment, counseling services, or community support groups. Although some mental illnesses are more debilitating than others, they can all be effectively managed.

Treatment

100

Name 3 natural lifestyle changes that can help with depression.

-Exercise -Nutrition -Sleep -Social Support -Stress Reduction

200

In addition to medications, there are other ways to treat mental illnesses. Name 2 coping mechanisms to help with anxiety.

--Manage stress. --Deep breathing --Picture yourself successfully facing and conquering a specific fear. --Talk with a person who is supportive. --Meditate. --Exercise. --Take a long, warm bath. --Rest in a dark room.

300

______ of all people with severe symptoms of a mental health condition were found to have received no treatment in the prior 12 months.

About half.

400

True or False - Admitting you need help is giving up on yourself.

False. Admitting you are having problems is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.

500

True or False: You need to know exactly what you're going to say and how you're going to say it before you talk to a counsellor.

False. Counsellors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you, and you can open up to them at a pace that you are comfortable with. Tip: if you feel like you might get nervous and freeze up, it often helps to write things down before your appointment. This also helps you to organize your thoughts and put things in perspective.