Mental Health

Maintaining positive mental health is all about having a balance between the various aspects of one's life - social, physical, spiritual, economics and mental.  Each person requires a unique balance and it can be a challenge to find and keep one's own specific balance.  And sometimes, losing one's balance can make it difficult to regain one's footing. 

There is a broad continuum of mental health that runs from one's personal balance point to mental illness.  If one is not in balance for some time, one may move closer and closer to the illness end of the range.  Some people experience symptoms suddenly, but for many, a variety of issues gradually build up until they seem insurmontable.

Mental illness is more common than once thought.  One in four Canadians will experience a mood disorder.  One in eight Canadians will be hospitalized in their lifetime for a mental disorder.  Mental or emotional problems at work exceed physical problems for the primary reason for absence from work. Thus it is highly probable that someone in one's family or a colleague has been or is in this situation.  Unfortunately, there is still stigma around mental illness causing delays for many to access appropriate treatment and diagnosis.

Fortunately, there are many excellent resources available online and through McMaster's Employee & Family Assistance Program as well as available via one's own family physician to assist with regaining this balance.

 

The Canadian Mental Health Association has 10 tips for mental health:

  1. Build a healthy self-esteem
  2. Receive as well as give
  3. Create positive parenting and family relationships
  4. Make friends who count
  5. Figure out your prioritites
  6. Get involved
  7. Learn to manage stress effectively
  8. Cope with changes that affect you
  9. Deal with your emotions
  10. Have a spirituality to call your own

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