What’s normal?

We all have our emotional ups and downs - periods of stress, trouble in our relationships, dips in our work performance. These are the normal challenges of life that we all experience. In most cases, we think of it as ‘ having a bad day’ or ‘a rough patch.’ It’s when having a bad day turns into ‘having a bad life’, that there’s a problem.

It’s important to know that you are not alone.

Mental health is a topic that gets stigmatized so often in our society and gets misunderstood by those who have never experienced it. Yet, mental illness is experienced by 1 in 3 Canadians during their lifetime. Many Canadians are affected by it either directly or indirectly through family, friends or colleagues.

When and how to seek help.

Do you feel powerless to regain control of your life?

Mental illness is not the same as feeling overwhelmed by a difficult situation. It is a normal to feel distressed by the death of a loved one, a job loss, a romantic breakup, or a sudden change in circumstance like moving to a new area, starting a new job, or going through a divorce. Most of us are eventually able to regain a healthy emotional balance in our lives after these kinds of experiences. But, for those with mental illness, the feelings that come from these kinds of stressful life events are so intense and prolonged that they may not be able to cope with the simplest aspects of everyday life.

Contributing risk factors for mental illness include:

• Genetics which are influenced by your family history;

• Early life experiences such as abuse and trauma;

• Stressful life events such as financial problems, a loved one’s death or divorce;

• Environmental influences on a fetus such as exposure to drugs or alcohol;

• Social, economic and educational status.

Share your concerns with your doctor.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and they both directly affect the other. People with physical problems often experience anxiety or depression, which affects their recovery. Similarly, mental health factors can increase the risk of developing physical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and significant weight gain/loss. Describe the behaviours or issues that concern you. Your doctor will be able to help you differentiate what is and isn’t normal. They will let you know when working with a therapist is a necessary or helpful course of action.

It’s going to be okay.

People sometimes assume that mental health treatment will mean medication or hospitalization.

Every person is different and their treatment will need to address their unique symptoms - that may or may not include medication or in specific instances hospitalization. However, if you are experiencing signs of mental illness, it is important that you seek help as soon as possible.

The most common treatment for those who have mental health issues is therapy. Within therapy you can learn how to talk about your thoughts and feelings, how to respond to them, and learn new behaviours and coping skills. When you are able to talk about your problems, they become smaller with less hold over your life. When you are able to respond your emotions - without shame - you weaken the destructive behaviours that control your life. When you are able to identify your triggers and warning signs, you can learn how to cope with life’s challenges in a positive and healthy way.

You are not a failure if you seek professional help.

Things unravel when when left untreated. But that doesn’t mean that it becomes too late. Addressing mental health challenges and developing healthy self-care habits will help you manage life stressors in the future. Think of it this way… we will immediately address physical injuries or ailments (like a broken ankle or high blood pressure) and get the appropriate medical care (like a cast or medication). But with emotional injuries or mental ailments (like grief, anxiety, depression, etc.,) there still seems to be a level of fear and shame in getting therapeutic support. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of. The wirings of your brain are not your fault and there is something you can do about it.