Mental Health

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Just like good physical health is important in enjoying life fully, mental health is equally important in determining the quality of our life. Our psychological and emotional state affects how we think, feel and behave in the everyday situations of life. 

In some cases mental health includes not only the emotional aspect but also a spiritual aspect of well-being which incorporates the values of culture, equity, social norms and personal dignity.

According to Mental Health Commission of Canada, we are all on a continuum of mental health as indicated in the adjoining chart.

When we are progressing from left to right on the above continuum, it might indicate that our mental health is declining. 

Healthy mental state is essential for us to function effectively in the society. Some benefits of good mental health:

-  We feel good about ourselves

-  We communicate better with others

-  We form healthy relationships

-  We sustain our relationships effectively

-  We are better able to handle stress 

-  We are able to reduce chances of mental illnesses

-  We are able to express ourselves positively

Many factors affect our health. The conditions in which we are born, grow, work, live and age — all affect our well-being. In addition, there are external forces and systems that affect us too. Collectively, these are called social determinants. The main social determinants of health, according to the Public Health Services of Canada, include:

1. Income and social status
2. Employment and working conditions
3. Education and literacy
4. Childhood experiences
5. Physical environments
6. Social supports and coping skills
7. Healthy behaviours
8. Access to health services
9. Individual genetics
10. Gender
11. Culture
12. Race / Racism

While the above factors are important in determining our overall health — including our physical and mental wellness — some specific factors that affect our mental health can be listed in the following categories:

Life experiences:Our mental health depends on our childhood experiences, our past and present family situation, our financial status, our employment status, the death of a loved one in our life, our living conditions and access to education, opportunities, resources and essential services. Sometimes our cultural and racial differences affect our living conditions and access to opportunities and resources.All the above situations affect how we feel, think and act about ourselves as well as towards the world around us.Sometimes we do not think deeply about the above factors. It is important to understand that our life is not compartmentalized into different categories. All aspects of our life affect our overall wellness.

Relationships:Our relationships affect our mental well-being. This includes relationships with our family members, friends, coworkers, supervisors, clients, peers, classmates etc. Good relationships are further dependent upon our communication skills, our emotional intelligence, our own self-esteem, our capacity to deal with stress and our ability to handle and resolve differences. If we improve these skills, then our relationships become healthier. That leads to improved mental health and a smoother, happier life.

Working and Learning Environment:The climate where we work or study is very important in determining our mental health. This could mean the physical environment as well as the social environment. If we work in hazardous situations, it might put an extended pressure on our body and mind. Physical environment: Cramped, loud spaces that are smoke-filled, polluted, have hazardous substances or have poor lighting can affect our mental health.Social environment:Toxic relationships in the working or learning environment, being bullied, harassed or disrespected, inequitable working conditions and lack of inclusive policies or opportunities can leave a negative effect on our mental well-being.

Physical Health:Our physical health directly determines our mental health. Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Some reasons for poor physical health could be diet and nutrition, injuries, substance abuse (smoking, alcohol or drug consumption) and long-term illnesses. 

Social Safety and Inclusion:The type of community we live in can also affect our mental health. Socially inclusive communities, where people are supportive of each other, trust each other and create opportunities for everyone’s participation, are healthier. On the other hand, socially exclusive communities do not offer community supports to their members. People generally keep to themselves and are not available or accessible for each other. In these types of communities, people might not have human interactions for extended periods of time. This can have a negative effect their psychological and emotional wellness.

Stigma refers to a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance. It is often due to misunderstanding and fear. Mental Health problems are often related to stigma or disgrace in our society, although with education and awareness, the attitudes can be improved. 

People facing mental health problems often experience negative attitudes, prejudice and negative behaviours by others around them. They are labelled by their illness and are judged for their condition. They are no longer seen as an individual but are considered to be a part of a stereotyped group. People form judgements and fixed opinions about mental health problems and about those suffering from mental health problems. Sometimes this is due to a lack of understanding or awareness about the problem. 

Problems due to Stigma:

1.  Embarrassment:

People with mental health problems feel embarrassed to ask for help.  A Health Canada survey revealed that more than 50% people surveyed with mental heath problems were embarrassed about their situation. This can cause these people to be secretive about their condition and not ask for the help they need.

2.  Discrimination:

The Health Canada survey mentioned above showed that 54% people with mental health problems had reported that they faced discrimination. They were treated unfairly due to their problems. Discrimination can be experienced in getting jobs, accessing safe housing, essential services and even in having relationships.

3.  Social exclusion:

Sometimes people with mental health problems are not included in social activities that are open to other people. This can lead to loneliness and isolation.

4.  Hopelessness and distress (self-stigma):

The negative experiences of people due to stigma can cause them to feel very low and hopeless about themselves. People can begin to internalize the negative words and attitudes and begin to have a negative opinion about themselves.

5.  Misrepresentation in the media:

Media might be portraying mental health problems inaccurately, which only enhances the negative perceptions about mental health problems, patients and treatments. This can aggravate the stigma within the society.

6.  Reluctance for treatment or support:

Due to stigma, a person with mental illness might not feel comfortable in admitting his condition or disclosing his problem to family members, friends or even healthcare professionals. This can worsen a person’s mental health illness.

7.  Multiple layers of stigma:

Many times, the stigma towards a particular mental health problem can affect a person in multiple layers and prevent the person from functioning smoothly in many different aspects of the society. For example, they might experience discrimination in employment opportunities as well as be the target of stigma within their cultural community.

Challenging Stigma:

Here are some of things that can be done to address and reduce stigma:

1.  Education:

When we educate ourselves and others about mental health, then we are able to challenge the myths associated with mental health and can replace them facts. This can improve the public attitude.

2.  Spreading awareness:

Through campaigns, face to face conversations and social media, we are able to raise our voice to shift people’s thinking.

3.  Build supportive communities:

Whether it is for yourself or for others, help in the creation of supportive communities with the involvement of responsible, aware adults who promote a sense of care, belonging and safety for those experiencing mental health issues.

4.  Be inclusive and respectful:

Approach the problem with a gentle, respectful attitude. Do not put the problem or the person on the spot. Continue to include the person’s participation in the same healthy ways as others. Be aware that mental illnesses are only one part of the whole picture for a person.

5.  Encourage treatment:

For anyone who needs support for their mental health, offer help to seek support and treatment. Talk about the options available to them and encourage open discussions, disclosure and interventions as necessary.

6.  Use language with care:

Sometimes our words and language can be insensitive towards those suffering from mental health. This can lead to the enhancement or internalization of stigma. Be careful in the words you choose. Be aware of insensitive or offensive terms and use language that does not suggest pity, guilt, judgement or disrespect.