About Mental Health

Mental health is a complex and important part of our overall health that is not always understood. However, furthering our knowledge in this area is empowering and helps us make informed decisions about our own health. The following information explains mental health concepts in a plain and accessible way. This is information that all Canadians can benefit from and it has been reproduced with permission from MentalHealthLiteracy.org

mental health literacy

Understanding Signs and Symptoms

Note that signs are what others can notice (such as someone speaking very rapidly) while symptoms refer to what someone is experiencing inside themselves, such as negative self talk, sadness, or hearing voices. There are times when a person may be really struggling with symptoms such as feeling hopeless, however there may not be obvious signs that they are struggling.

Red Flags

Being aware of some red flags can alert us to check in on the well being of someone. Be careful to not make assumptions or follow checklists to diagnose everyone around vou however! Doctors and mental health professionals have specialized training to assess many factors in many contexts before making any kind of diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

We can, however, be alert to potential signs that someone is struggling. Someone may also start to share their symptoms with us.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

  • A noticeable and negative change from what is the norm for an individual (that lasts beyond a few days and is more than what would be expected for the circumstances). This can be a negative change in mood, thinking, or behaviour.

  • Lower functioning in social, work or academic performance.

  • Not taking care in personal hygiene.

  • Withdrawing from others.

  • increased, problematic substance use or gambling.

  • Prolonged difficulty adjusting after the loss of a relationship or death of a loved one.

  • Others close to the person expressing concern.

  • The person speaking negatively about themselves, and expressing negativity and hopelessness, including thoughts such as life being pointless and not worth living.

  • Difficulty sleeping and changes in eating and activity level.

  • A history of experiencing a mental illness in the past, or family history of mental disorders.

  • A recent head injury.

Note a change from what is usual for that person. For example, someone who is known for taking pride in their appearance starts coming to work with uncombed hair and wrinkled clothes, whereas that may be the norm for easy going Dave down the hall!

How to Express Concern and Help Others

Be mindful that you may not know current stressors the other person is experiencing. Do not jump to conclusions about the reasons for what vou are observing.

CONCERN FOR A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND:

  • Draw on the relationship you have with them, and give examples of what you are noticing with care and concern.

  • Encourage your loved one to seek help and offer to assist in finding help.

  • Start with encouraging a call to their doctor for a good medical check up.

  • Check in with them frequently, and encourage your loved one to expand their circle of support.

  • If they are expressing hopelessness, ask them if they are thinking of harming themselves.

  • If they say they are having suicidal thoughts, then it is a priority to connect them with professional help and discuss a plan they agree to for keeping them safe.

For more evidence-based information on supporting family and friends, you can access this free resource

• Downloadable pdf: https://mentalhealthliteracy.org/product/family-pack

CONCERN FOR COLLEAGUES OR STAFF WHO REPORT TO YOU:

  • Before meeting with your colleague or staff member, review any relevant office protocols and have contact information ready for further support and resources to suggest.

  • Discreetly check with workmates if they also have concerns. Be sure to maintain privacy and confidentialitv!

  • Separate this conversation from anything related to a performance review.

  • Bring up the topic when there is enough time to talk it through.

  • Detail what you have been noticing and express sincere concern for their well being (ex. "Saya, can we talk? Ever since you have started working here, I have noticed your happy energy and that you usually like to arrive early and talk with others around the coffee station. Over the past number of weeks I have seen you arrive later, and go straight to your office without speaking to anyone. I am concerned about you. Are vou okay?")

  • If you have suggested a resource or referral, circle back to check if the suggestion met their needs or if further support is needed.

Assess if this is a Crisis or Emergency Situation

IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROTECT THE PERSON AND OTHERS AROUND THEM IS REQUIRED:

  • If a person has lost touch with reality. They may be experiencing delusions - (disordered thinking) or hallucinations (when their senses are giving them inaccurate information so they are seeing or hearing things that are not present).

  • If a person is threatening to seriously harm themselves or others.

  • If a person is behaving in an unpredictable and violent way.

  • If a person is under the influence of substances and their physical safety is at risk.

  • If someone expresses fear that another is threatening their life.

Call 911 for assistance if there is immediate danger.

Be sure to keep yourself safe while attempting to assist.

FOR YOURSELF:

If you find that attending to your own self care basics such as better sleep, good food and a good talk with a supportive person isn't enough to help you rebound, consider contacting your family doctor for a check up for both your physical and mental health. There may be a medical issue impacting your overall wellness. You may also consider seeking out the support of a mental health professional through provincial health, your Employee Assistance Program or a community agency.

We all need to attend to our mental health, just like our physical health. Despite our best efforts, a mental illness may arise just like a physical ailment can. None of us are immune to experiencing a mental health problem or mental disorder. We can all do our part to connect with others and have real conversations to reduce the stigma around mental illness, and to recognize when to access mental health professionals for further assessment and possible treatment. Improving our mental health literacy can help us to improve our own mental health, and contribute to the health of our families, friends and workplaces