Mental health and wellbeing : what to do if I need help ?

What is the definition of mental health ? 

Some people believe that it is only necessary to talk about mental health when we need help, have problems, or don’t feel well. Good mental health isn’t only determined by a lack of mental health issues. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” 

So, mental health encapsulates all the different thoughts, emotions, and life events that someone can experience. It’s a balance between the stress someone goes through and their ability to adapt to it, as well as the resources at their disposal. Mental health is a concept that incorporates emotional as well as psychological wellbeing. It’s also important to note that a person living with a mental health disorder can experience emotional wellbeing and maintain a healthy balance in life.  
 

Why is it important to take care of our mental health ?

Taking care of our mental health is as vital as taking care of our physical health. Investing in our mental health can help prevent disorders such as depression and anxiety. In addition to contributing to an overall quality of life, mental health can: 
 

• Reinforce our ability to retrieve stability after a difficult or unexpected event; 

• Help manage daily stress more effectively;

• Improve self-esteem;

• Contribute to developing self-confidence, confidence in our abilities, etc. 
   

What can negatively affect mental health ? 

Mental health is influenced by many factors, may they be physical, psychological, economic, or social. Every individual will be confronted with difficulties during their lifespan that could influence their mental health and wellbeing to different extents. Here are some risk factors that can affect mental health: 

• An accumulation of stressful events; 

• Isolation;

• Financial difficulties;

• Frequent exposure to conflicts or violence;

• Alcohol, substance, or gambling addictions.

Other elements can influence mental health, such as heredity, some biological factors, or the presence of sicknesses or chronic illnesses. The complex combination of these factors can have an impact on mental health. It’s always a good idea to act on the factors on which we have some control.  

What can help promote good mental health ?

Steps can be taken to help maintain good mental health and improve wellbeing. These are sometimes called self-management strategies. Here are some examples:
 

• Tending to basic needs (eating well, healthy sleep habits, physical exercise);

• Reducing consumption of caffeinated or energetic beverages;

• Reducing or stopping alcohol, tobacco, or drug usage;

• Doing pleasant activities (drawing, singing, knitting, etc.); 

• Practicing relaxing activities (yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, etc.);

• Changing internal self-talk (for example, focusing on our strengths rather than our weaknesses); 

• Maintain relationships with people we trust and with whom we feel good;

• Participate in group activities, etc.
   

Take stock of your mental health with the self-test tool

In 2022, 5 million Canadians presented with the diagnostic criteria associated with a mental health disorder according to Statistics Canada. It is completely normal to experience mental health difficulties throughout our lives, but it’s important to distinguish between a passing state and a longer term condition. Here are some signs that could indicate a mental health disorder: 

 

• A persistent sadness;

• A loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities; 

• Changes in appetite or sleeping habits;

• Difficulty concentrating;

• Tense interpersonal relationships;

• A low self-esteem;

• Recurring negative thoughts, dark thoughts and suicidal thoughts, etc. 
   

To help take stock of your mental health, you can use the self-test tool. It can be useful to understand what we’re experiencing or feeling. However, assessing the state of our mental health can be complex. Only a mental health professional, like a doctor or psychologist, can give a diagnosis.  

What to do when we need help for our mental health ? 

When we realize we need assistance, several actions can help us. We can use the My Tools platform to take care of our mental health and find strategies that can help us feel better. 

To retrieve some balance and control in our lives, it can be necessary to speak to a professional. To receive help that is adapted to our needs and situation, we can: 

• Contact Info-Social at 811 (option 2) to be directed to local resources; 
• Consult a doctor in a walk-in clinic or your family doctor; 
• Contact a local community services center (CLSC);  
• Contact a community resource;
• Consult a psychologist.

What to do in case of suicidal thoughts

If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, know that counselors are always available (24/7). To speak to one, you can: 
 

• Chat online; 

• Text 53 53 53; 

• Call 1 866-APPELLE (277-3553).