Myths about Mental Health
Although people are talking about mental health more than ever, misconceptions in the media and elsewhere are keeping STIGMA alive. Thankfully, each of us can replace stigmatizing attitudes and language with more supportive conversations with ourselves and others.
The following are a few myths that we hold about mental health:
Mental health is the same as mental illness.
Mental health refers to one’s general state of psychological and emotional well-being. Much like physical health, it exists on a continuum from healthy to ill and can fluctuate depending on life factors. Maintaining good mental health is an important aspect of one’s overall well-being. Mental illness is a condition diagnosed by a qualified health care professional 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness.
It’s obvious when someone has a mental illness.
Mental illness is largely invisible, especially when someone is managing their symptoms with the support of a health care provider. Courses like Mental Health First Aid are helpful because they train people to recognize the signs of declining mental health and equip them with the tools to respond appropriately.
Some people are immune to mental illness.
No one is immune to mental illness, but risk and protective factors can play a big role. Risk factors such as childhood trauma. Protective factors include strong social connections, meaningful employment, and physical activity. While someone with many protective factors can still develop a mental illness (and vice versa), they do change the likelihood significantly.
Mental illness is a lifelong diagnosis.
Mental illness is treatable. It is possible to recover and even thrive following a mental illness. Recovery can involve the complete resolution of a mental health problem, but it can also be about having a renewed focus on personal control, resilience, and day-to-day functioning. Even with mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, which typically require lifelong symptom management, individuals can experience a very high quality of life.
Historically, mental health has faced more stigma and discrimination compared to physical health. However, there is growing recognition of the importance of mental health and efforts to reduce the associated stigma. Your call to action promotes more open conversations and awareness about mental health, which will help create a more supportive and inclusive workplace.
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada – Mental Health
MHCC – Mental Health Continuum
MHCC – Anti-StigmaFor more information, please contact:
Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com
Or
Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeLifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.
Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:
- LifeWorks Blog
- Webinars and Events
- 24/7 Specialist Counselling
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
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Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel
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