Mental Health Awareness2021-09-13T16:56:18+00:00

What are Mental Illnesses?

Mental illnesses are health challenges that can affect the way we think about ourselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around us. They affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Mental illnesses can disrupt a person’s life or create challenges, but with the right supports, a person can get back on a path to sustainability and wellness. [1]

There are many different types of mental illness that affect people in different ways. Within each mental illness, people may have very different symptoms and challenges. Access to services, support from loved ones, and the ability to participate in communities play a big part in the way people experience mental illnesses. Culture, background, and personal beliefs also shape the way people understand mental illnesses.

FACTS AND STATS

  • More than 6.7 million people in Canada are living with a mental health problem or illness today. By comparison 2.2 million people in Canada have type 2 diabetes.
  • Mental health problems and illnesses hit early in people’s lives. More than 28% of people aged 20-29 experience a mental illness in a given year. By the time people reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 people in Canada will have had or have a mental illness. [2]

What are Concurrent Disorders?

Concurrent disorders is a term used to refer to co-occurring addiction and mental health problems. It covers a wide array of combinations of problems, such as: anxiety disorder and an alcohol problem, schizophrenia and cannabis dependence, borderline personality disorder and heroin dependence, and bipolar disorder and problem gambling.

These problems can co-occur in a variety of ways. They may be active at the same time or at different times, in the present or in the past, and their symptoms may vary in intensity and form over time. [3]

FACTS AND STATS

  • People with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use problem compared to the general population. At least 20% of people with a mental illness have a co-occurring substance use problem. For people with schizophrenia, the number may be as high as 50%.
  • Similarly, people with substance use problems are up to 3 times more likely to have a mental illness. More than 15% of people with a substance use problem have a co-occurring mental illness. [4]

Why is it important?

The onset of most mental illnesses occurs during adolescence and young adulthood. This affects educational achievement, occupational or career opportunities and successes, and the formation and nature of personal relationships. The effect extends throughout an individual’s life. The greater the number of episodes of illness that an individual experiences, the greater the degree of lasting disability. Receiving and complying with effective treatment and having the security of strong social supports, adequate income, housing and educational opportunities are essential elements in minimizing the impact of mental illness. [5]

The economic burden of mental illnesses in Canada on the health care system is estimated to be over $51 billion per year. This includes health care costs, lost productivity and criminal justice costs. [6]

An additional $6.3 billion was spent on uninsured mental health services and time off work for depression and distress that was not treated by the health care system. [7]

CONCURRENT DISORDERS

Mental health and substance abuse problems are common and come at an enormous cost to individuals, families, communities and systems.

The links between mental health and substance abuse issues are complex. They might develop independently as a result of common risk factors or one might lead to the other as a result of self-medication or prolonged distress. Prevention of and early intervention for mental health and substance use problems is best, but when concurrent disorders develop, they require specialized intensive services.

What does it look like?

Mental Health Disorders

Each illness has its own symptoms. The following are a few common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents:

  • Excessive worrying or fear
  • Feeling excessively sad or low
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
  • Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
  • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
  • Avoiding friends and social activities
  • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
  • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
  • Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
  • Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behaviour or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)
  • Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
  • Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress [8]

CONCURRENT DISORDERS

There is no one symptom or group of symptoms common to all combinations. The combinations of concurrent disorders can be divided into five main groups:

  • substance use + mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression or panic disorder
  • substance use + severe and persistent mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
  • substance use + personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, or problems related to anger, impulsivity or aggression
  • substance use + eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • other substance use + mental health disorders, such as gambling and sexual disorders. [9]

See Mental Health Awareness in the Mental Health Training Framework document

Mental Health Training Framework

Resources

Creating a Compassionate Classroom

Individual, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Resources, Organization, Professional, Resource, Youth|

The Alberta Teachers' Association offers this booklet to help educate all of us about mental health, mental illness, and how we can help our students, our colleagues and ourselves. This booklet encourages the development of more compassionate classrooms, schools and communities by changing how we look at mental health and

HEADSTRONG

Indigenous, Individual, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Resources, Organization, Professional, Resource, Youth|

HEADSTRONG is an evidence-based anti-stigma initiative created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). It inspires youth ages 12-18 to Be Brave, Reach Out and Speak Up about mental health. Now a national initiative, HEADSTRONG teaches students how to reduce stigma and become mental health champions in their schools. CMHA

Toolkits

Videos

Concurrent Disorders: An Introduction

Individual, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Videos, Organization, Professional, Videos|

This AHS video addresses epidemiological data, underlying models and risk factors; overlap between mental health and addictions, assessment process, common presentation of concurrent disorders, treatment approaches. Address relationship with ACEs. (30 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUW9d40gheA&t=0s&index=12&list=PL4H2py77UNuVZeJVAplwPzAyNoWXLmx2r

Emotional Regulation and Recovery from Mental Illness: Regulation Skills, Training at the Core of Stepped Care

Individual, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Videos, Organization, Professional, Videos|

This AHS video explores the connection between behavioural neuroscience and addictions and range of emotional disorders; outlines how emotional skills training is an effective treatment in a coordinated, stepped-care model. (37 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOGczxxWGNE&list=PL4H2py77UNuWlAD80DJW3vENUcEHXfL_L&index=21

Motivational Interviewing: Part 1-3

Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Videos, Organization, Professional, Videos|

The AHS Concurrent Disorder Series offers  Part 1 – definition and motivational strategies for each stage (52 minutes). Part 2 – Stages of change and 5 basic skills (53 minutes). Part 3 – Outlines strategies for each stage of change. (1 hour) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZtnX46sfAQ&t=0s&list=PL4H2py77UNuWE9t0KDzVoWFbXnjmffznp&index=2

Understanding Historical Trauma and Health Status of Aboriginal People

Indigenous, Individual, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Videos, Organization, Professional, Videos|

This AHS video addresses how historical trauma has impacted health of aboriginal people; identifies cultural approaches to wellness; outlines policy considerations; identifies effective cultural tools used in Aboriginal health. (75 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cp7lFfw1x8&index=6&list=PL4H2py77UNuUjMnzfRYYYn_NkofNrgerA&t=0s

In-Person Training

Kids Have Stress Too!

In-Person, In-Person Training, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness In-Person Training, Training|

Offered provincially through Imagine Institute for Learning, this Psychology Foundation of Canada program is designed to help the important people in children’s’ lives learn to promote resiliency by buffering the impact of stress, and building positive coping strategies to deal with life’s stressors. Two programs span from pre-school to grade

Make the Connection

In-Person, In-Person Training, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness In-Person Training, Training|

This course offered by the Psychology Foundation of Canada is effective in promoting positive parent-to-infant attachment and is a strong candidate for public health initiatives targeting parenting skills. 3 courses target different age groups: 0-1, 1-2, 2-3. (Duration not specified) Competency: Knowledge, Behavioural, Activating Audience: Children Cost: Not indicated  

Mental Health First Aid

In-Person, In-Person Training, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness In-Person Training, Training|

The MHCC offers this course through CMHA which focuses on the four most common mental health disorders including substance related, mood related, anxiety and trauma related, and psychotic disorders. Participants who take this course are well prepared to interact confidently about mental health with their family, friends, communities, and workplaces.

Mental Health First Aid First Nations

In-Person, In-Person Training, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness In-Person Training, Training|

The MHCC offers this course through CMHA and is intended for First Nations however, is also recommended for anyone that works with First Nations. It is designed to provide an opportunity for First Nations participants and others who work with First Nations to learn and have serious conversations about mental

Online Training

Canadian Association of Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

The website offers free online education aimed at building awareness and knowledge of mental health challenges and reducing stigma. Suggested modules include Mental Health 101; Depression 101; Youth and Mental Health 101. (20 minutes per module) Competency: Knowledge, Behavioural, Activating Audience: All Cost: Free  

Developmental Pathways of Addiction and Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

AHS Addiction and Mental Health Learning Series offers a web-based interactive e-Learning curriculum designed to support healthcare providers to enhance their practice working with children, youth and their families experiencing addiction and mental health issues. The focus of these modules is to help health providers recognize and reduce significant stressors

Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

A Status of Women Canada course to assess how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. It acknowledges the need to go  beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences and considers many other identity factors, like race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or

Healthy Minds Healthy Children

Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Awareness Online Training, Online, Online Training, Training|

This AHS website contains current online and archived courses. Current issues in child and adolescent mental health intended for professionals in Alberta working with children and adolescents in the area of addiction and mental health. Competency: Knowledge, Behavioural Audience: Children, Youth Cost: Free- Must register online  

References

  1. Canadian Mental Health Association – National. (2014). Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://cmha.ca/documents/mental-illnesses
  2. Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2013). Making a Case for Investing in Mental Health in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/resources/mhcc-reports/case-for-investing
  3. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Concurrent Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and- addiction-index/concurrent-disorders
  4. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Mental Health and Addiction Facts and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/driving- change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics
  5. Health Canada. (2002). A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada. Retrieved from https://cpa.ca/cpasite/UserFiles/Documents/Practice_Page/reports_mental_illness_e.pdf
  6. Smetanin et al. (2011) The life and economic impact of major illnesses in Canada: 2011-2014. Prepared for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Toronto: RiskAnalytica.
  7. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Mental Health and Addiction Facts and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/driving- change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics
  8. National Alliance on Mental Health. Know the Warning Signs. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Know-the-Warning-Signs
  9. Centre on Substance Abuse. (2013). When Mental Health and Substance Abuse Collide. Retrieved from http://www.ccdus.ca/Resource%20Library/CCSA-Mental-Health-and-Substance-Abuse-2013-en.pdf
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