Mental Health and Wellness
This type of therapy focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviours, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems. (Hint: It is considered one of the most effective treatment methods for generalized anxiety disorder)
What is CBT?
Research shows that CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It is also an effective treatment for problems such as depression, chronic pain, disordered eating, anger issues, addiction, and low self-esteem. (Source: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt/)
Regarded as the "most common mental illness," in the USA and North America, people with this type of disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized than those who do not.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders. (Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml)
A rare but documented disorder, this is an infrequently studied and highly secretive condition in which there is a mismatch between the mental body image and the physical body. Subjects suffering from this have an intense desire to amputate a major limb or sever the spinal cord in order to become paralyzed. Studies have shown evidence that this disorder's onset is in childhood.
What is Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)?
As of 2014 it remained unclear whether BIID is a form of human diversity or a mental disorder, similar to the development of the concept of gender dysphoria. There was debate about including it in the DSM-5 and it was not included; it was also not included in the ICD-10. It has been included in the ICD-11, which reached a stable version in June 2018, as 'Body Integrity Dysphoria' with code 6C21. The ethics of surgically amputating the undesired limb of a person with BIID are difficult and controversial.
(Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326051/)
The place on campus where you can access counselling, medical appointments with a nurse practitioner or doctor, learning accommodations, and information to keep YOU healthy!
What is The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC)?
(Source: https://humber.ca/student-life/swac/)
Known for her hit single, 'rehab,' this singer passed away at 27 after a battle with drug and alcohol addiction.
Who is Amy Winehouse?
This term is used to describe the use of psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction, to help a person change behaviour and overcome problems in desired ways.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is primarily a talk-based therapy and is intended to help people improve and maintain their mental health and well-being. (Source: https://www.crpo.ca/what-is-psychotherapy/)
Dysthymia is a continuous, long-term (chronic) form of this disorder.
What is depression?
Dysthymia is a serious disorder. It is not "minor" depression, and it is not a condition intermediate between severe clinical depression and depression in the casual colloquial sense. In some cases it is more disabling than major depression. Still, dysthymia is so similar to major depression that the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual also suggests, as a possibility for further investigation, an alternative definition with symptoms including anhedonia, social withdrawal, guilt, and irritability but not appetite or sleep disturbance. (Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/dysthymia)
This is a mental disorder characterized by the maintenance of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states. This is accompanied by memory gaps beyond what would be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)? (Previously termed 'multiple personality disorder')
DID was called multiple personality disorder up until 1994, when the name was changed to reflect a better understanding of the condition—namely, that it is characterized by a fragmentation or splintering of identity, rather than by a proliferation or growth of separate personalities. The symptoms of DID cannot be explained away as the direct psychological effects of a substance or of a general medical condition.
(Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder)
Exposure to nature benefits human mental health! Natural environments drive positive affect through enjoyable sights and sounds, which could be why many cities maintain recreational areas. For those of you looking to escape the fast-paced city life and restore your mind without the expense of going on vacation, the GTA has many enjoyable parks, trails and natural water features that you can visit.
This is one place on campus where you can learn about and enjoy gardens, trees, and nature outdoors...right in UofGH's backyard!
What is Humber Arboretum?
(Source: https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/nature-can-have-a-nurturing-effect-on-your-mental-health)
This Canadian comedian, later learned that he has obsessive compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by repetitive thoughts, impulses or images, and behaviours performed over and over. He was also diagnosed as an adult with ADHD. He has appeared on many shows, including America's Got Talent and Deal or No Deal.
Who is Howie Mandel?
This is a form of psychotherapy based on the model of human nature and experience developed by one tradition of European philosophy. It focuses on concepts that are universally applicable to human existence including death, freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life.
What is existential psychotherapy?
Existential therapy focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning—often centering on you rather than on the symptom. The approach emphasizes your capacity to make rational choices and to develop to your maximum potential. (Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/existential-therapy)
This neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by restlessness, forgetfulness and impulsiveness. Persons with this disorder often find themselves to be disorganised, and have an altered sense of time that can lead to poor performance in work or higher education.
Some anthropologists believe this disorder to be an advantageous, evolutionary trait.
What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
Three major types of ADHD include the following:
ADHD, combined type. This is the most common type of ADHD.
ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type.
ADHD, inattentive and distractible type.
...A study conducted at Northwestern University in 2008 examined a tribal group in Kenya (n=150). Some were nomadic, while others had settled into villages. Researchers identified male tribe members who displayed ADHD traits. They examined the DRD4 7R genetic variant (allele) that is linked to novelty-seeking, greater food and drug cravings, and ADHD symptoms.
Results showed that members of the nomadic tribe with ADHD symptoms and the allele were better nourished than those without the allele.
"Perhaps nomadic Ariaal with a more
diffuse attention better scan their dynamic environments, noticing the status of their herd, the signs of water or food or raiders
sneaking up. This different attention span might serve less well
for settled Ariaal, who must focus on schooling, growing crops,
and selling goods at market."
(Sources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd and https://evolution.binghamton.edu/evos/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/eisenberg-and-campbell-2011-the-evolution-of-ADHD-artice-in-SF-Medicine.pdf)
This disorder involves a persistent or recurring feeling of being detached from one's body or mental processes, like an outside observer of one's life, and/or a feeling of being detached from one's surroundings.
What is depersonalization disorder (DPD) and/or depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPDR)?
DPD/DPDR is a mental disorder in which the person has persistent or recurrent feelings of depersonalization or derealization. Depersonalization is described as feeling disconnected or detached from one's self. Individuals experiencing depersonalization may report feeling as if they are an outside observer of their own thoughts or body, and often report feeling a loss of control over their thoughts or actions. In some cases, individuals may be unable to accept their reflection as their own.
(Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/conditions/depersonalizationderealization-disorder)
This is a psychiatric teaching hospital with central facilities located in Toronto and ten community locations throughout the province of Ontario, Canada. The hospital was formed in 1998 from the amalgamation of four separate institutions.
What is CAMH? (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health?)
In addition to providing the best care possible, CAMH also strives to ensure that inpatients and outpatients have access to all the supports that they need to recover.
CAMH has established a number of programs to promote patient wellness that are run in partnership between staff, volunteers and donors.
(Source: https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/patient-wellness)
This celebrity has starred in movies such as The Truman Show, The Mask, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He uses art therapy to help manage his diagnosis of Bipolar 1 Disorder, as well as a medication called lithium.
Who is Jim Carrey?
This is a practice where an individual uses a technique such as focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity; to train attention and awareness, thereby achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm, stable state.
What is MEDITATION!
The goal of meditation is to go beyond the mind and experience our essential nature—which is described as peace, happiness, and bliss. (Source: Yoga International)
This mental illness is characterised by major symptoms that include hallucinations (most commonly, hearing voices), delusions (having beliefs that are not shared by others), and disordered thinking.
What is Schizophrenia?
The way we think of schizophrenia has changed over time. Where once it was viewed as a chronic and deteriorating condition requiring lifelong care, now recovery is considered to be a realistic possibility. Recovery is seen as a process of gaining control over one’s life and finding meaning, rather than as the total absence of symptoms.
(Source: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/schizophrenia)
While not listed in the DSM, this type of delusion is named after a popular film, where an individual believes that their lives are staged reality shows, or that they are being watched on cameras.
What is The Truman Show Delusion?
The Truman Show delusion, informally known as Truman syndrome, is a type of delusion in which the person believes that their lives are staged reality shows, or that they are being watched on cameras. While the prevalence of the disorder is not known, there have been several hundred cases reported. There have been recorded instances of people suffering from the Truman Show Delusion from around the world. Joel Gold, a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City, and Clinical Associate Professor of psychiatry at New York University, and his brother Ian, who holds a research chair in Philosophy and Psychiatry at Montreal's McGill University, are the foremost researchers on the subject. They have communicated, since 2002, with over a hundred individuals suffering from the delusion. They have reported that one patient traveled to New York City after 9/11 to make sure that the terrorist attacks were not a plot twist in his personal Truman Show, while another travelled to a Lower Manhattan federal building to seek asylum from his show.
(Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22640240)
This is is a free, confidential helpline for post-secondary students in Ontario. By calling in, students can receive information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus or speak anonymously with a professional counsellor.
What is Good2Talk?
Good2Talk serves students at Ontario’s publicly-funded colleges and universities, with a primary focus on those aged 17 to 25. Students can call Good2Talk for support on a wide range of issues.
Their number for Ontario is: 1-866-925-5454
(Source: https://good2talk.ca/)
This popular TV game show host has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and chronic pain after receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Who is Alex Trebek? (The original host of Jeopardy!)
This is an evidence-based psychotherapy that began with efforts to treat borderline personality disorder. There is evidence that it can be useful in treating mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and for change in behavioral patterns such as self-harm and substance abuse.
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan to help better treat borderline personality disorder. Since its development, it has also been used for the treatment of other kinds of mental health disorders.
Many factors can influence the development of disorders in this category. These factors can be biological (genetic and biochemical), psychological (personality and mental health), and social (including cultural norms about appearance). Individuals who are struggling with their identity and self-image can be at risk, as can those who have experienced trauma. Because these disorders and mental illness are still stigmatized, some people who have these disorders may be secretive or ashamed and go to great lengths to hide it.
What are eating disorders?
The three most common types of eating disorder diagnosed in North America are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. (Source: https://nedic.ca/general-information/)
This is a somatic symptom disorder in which a person experiences blindness, paralysis, or other symptoms affecting the nervous system that cannot be explained solely by a physical illness or injury.
What is conversion disorder?
Functional neurologic disorders — a newer and broader term that includes what some people call conversion disorder — feature nervous system (neurological) symptoms that can't be explained by a neurological disease or other medical condition. However, the symptoms are real and cause significant distress or problems functioning.
Signs and symptoms vary, depending on the type of functional neurologic disorder, and may include specific patterns. Typically these disorders affect your movement or your senses, such as the ability to walk, swallow, see or hear. Symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go or be persistent. However, you can't intentionally produce or control your symptoms.
The cause of functional neurologic disorders is unknown. The condition may be triggered by a neurological disorder or by a reaction to stress or psychological or physical trauma, but that's not always the case. Functional neurologic disorders are related to how the brain functions, rather than damage to the brain's structure (such as from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, infection or injury).
(Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/conversion-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355197)
This centre offers hope and support to anyone 17+ affected by an eating disorder, as well as their families and friends, by providing a wide range of professionally facilitated support groups and services, completely free of charge. They are committed to inspiring hope, reducing stigma, raising awareness and offering meaningful help and information at all stages of recovery.
What is Sheena's Place?
Located in downtown Toronto, Sheena’s Place is a non-institutional, non-residential centre where people with similar issues and concerns come together in groups to share experiences, thoughts and feelings and to learn coping strategies. They offer groups for diverse individuals across the life span facing different mental health and disordered-eating challenges, as well as groups for families, friends and partners of those with eating disorders.
(Source: https://sheenasplace.org/)
This rap artist has spoken about struggling with trauma resulting from racism and inequality. He has taken on mental health stigma publicly, and is an advocate for having therapists in schools. He hopes to destigmatize therapy in black communities across the USA.
Who is Jay-Z?