About Mental Illness
Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people
Definition of Mental Illness
Below are several definitions of terms related to Mental Health and Mental Illness as well as a link to the websites of the originating source..Mental illnesses are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour (or some combination thereof) associated with significant distress and impaired functioning. The symptoms of mental illness vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of mental illness, the individual, the family and the socio-economic environment. - "A Report On Mental Illness in Canada" - Health Canada
Mental illness is a term that describes a broad range of mental and emotional conditions a broad classification for many disorders each of the mental disorders is conceptualized as a clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and that is associated with present distress (e.g. a painful symptom) or disability (i.e. impairment in one or more areas of functioning) or with a significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or an important loss of freedom. In addition, this syndrome or pattern must not be merely an expectable culturally sanctioned response to a particular event, for example, the death of a loved one. Whatever its original cause, it must currently be considered a manifestation of a behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunction in the individual. Neither deviant behavior (e.g. political, religious, or sexual) nor conflicts that are primarily between the individual and society are mental disorders unless the deviance or conflict is a symptom of a dysfunction in the individual, as described above. -DSM IV- American Psychiatric Association (APA)
Mental Health is often described as striking a balance in all aspects of your life - social, physical, spiritual, economic, mental-Canadian Mental Health Association -CMHA-
Severe mental illness
- Refers to the presence of a severe psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder) accompanied by significant functional impairment, disruption of normal life tasks, periods of hospitalization, and need for psychotropic medication. People with severe mental illness are a heterogeneous group in which cultural, social, economic, ethnic, and geographic factors may play important roles in sexual and drug use risk behaviors and the ability to implement safer practices. Link - APA
Mental Illness
- Term that refers collectively to all mental disorders. Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. Link - Surgeon General
Mental Health
- The successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity; from early childhood until late life, mental health is the springboard of thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience, and self esteem. Link - Surgeon General
Impact of Mental Illness on Society
The impact of Mental Illness is far reaching in today's society and effects not only the individual, but his or her family, and support systems as well. From a societal standpoint' research shows there is a very measurable impact to Social Service and Healthcare systems, workplaces and judicial systems.Cost to the Canadian economy of lost productivity due to mental illness is estimated at $14.4 billion annually.
Source: Stephens T, and Joubert, N. (2001)"The Economic Burden of Mental Health Problems in Canada,"
Chronic Diseases in Canada, Vol.22, #1, Population and Public Health Branch (PPHB), Health Canada, p.11
Myths & Facts about Mental Health
Understanding of Mental Illness and Mental Health issues : Due to the stigma that effects people with mental illness, there is often little understanding of issues related to mental illness. Below is a number of myths that circulate about mental illness that you may have heard that are not true.MYTH: Schizophrenia is a mental illness that results in split personality
MYTH: A person suffering from a clinical depression just needs to perk up and stop feeling sorry for themselves.
MYTH: Mental Illness is caused by a weakness in the person's personality.
MYTH: Individuals with mental illness are violent. Learn more on this topic at http://www.http://www.psych.org/public_info/violence.pdf
These are just a few of the many misconceptions that exist. Want to further your knowledge?
A great place to start is the link below.
Want to test your knowledge of Mental Health issues try the Mental Health Knowledge Online Quiz found on the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Website.
Looking for Information about certain types of Mental Illness
Visit the following site to begin your search on information about specific illnesses.PsychDirect is a public education & information program of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster University
The site provides good general information as well as information specific to these topic areas:
Diagnosis
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
Or issues related to certain populations:
- Women's Mental Health
- Aging and Health
- Children and Mental Health
Other Issues:
- Psychiatry and the Law
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Clinical Criminology
Treatment of Mental Illness
Seeking help from a healthcare professional is an important part of dealing with a mental illness. There are a number of ways to get that help and a number of treatment options that can be used including, medications and psychotherapy.The Simcoe County Mental Health and Addiction agencies have constructed a very informative website that outlines issues relating to accessing treatment and the processes involved to Mental health care in Ontario. Follow the link http://www.mhcva.on.ca/MHP/mhpgen1.htm to learn more.
Other Sources Online For Mental Health Information:
Internet Mental Health- A Canadian Site that provides extensive information on 40 major disorders and related treatment, research and support information.Search the Ontario Government Healthy Ontario website for information about specific conditions
Health Canada's section on Mental Health : An overview of issues at the Federal Level.
Mental Health Links This is an excellent & extensive list of links related to mental illness compiled by the Head of Public Services of the Health Sciences Library at McMaster University.
