The lives of people with mental health conditions are often plagued by stigma as well as discrimination. Stigma is a negative stereotype. Stigma is a reality for many people with a mental illness, and they report that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life. Stigma differs from […]Continue readingStigma and Discrimination
Mental Health Conditions
Dual Diagnosis
In Canada, dual diagnosis usually refers to an individual with a mental illness and a co-occurring developmental disability.1 An individual with a developmental disability has significantly below average intellectual functioning, which is also accompanied by considerable limitations in their adaptive functioning or life skills. People with persistent developmental disorders (such as autism) are often included under the […]Continue readingDual Diagnosis
Concurrent Disorders
Concurrent disorders describes a condition in which a person has both a mental illness and a substance use problem. This term is a general one and refers to a wide range of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. For example, someone living with schizophrenia who also engages problematic cannabis use has a concurrent disorder, as does […]Continue readingConcurrent Disorders
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. One of the biggest myths around the illness is that it isnt treatable. With the right supports, people can work or volunteer, be active in their own care, and contribute to their communities.Continue readingSchizophrenia
Anxiety Disorders
We all feel nervous or worried at times. This anxiety can be a helpful feeling when it motivates us or warns us of danger. An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, causes unexpected or unhelpful anxiety that seriously impacts our lives, including how we think, feel, and act.Continue readingAnxiety Disorders
Mental Illnesses
What do you think of when you hear that someone is experiencing a mental illness? Some people feel concern, fear, or confusion. Some even avoid those who experience mental illnesses. But mental illnesses are just like any other illness: everyone deserves care, help, and support.Continue readingMental Illnesses
Mental Illnesses in the Workplace
Work is important to our well-being. In addition to the income it brings, it can be a big part of our identity, how we understand our skills, and a way to contribute to something bigger. However, a mental illness can have a big impact on the way we work.Continue readingMental Illnesses in the Workplace
Myths About Mental Illness
Mental illnesses affect everyone in some way. We all likely know someone who has experienced a mental illness at some point. Yet there are still many hurtful attitudes around mental illnesses that fuel stigma and discrimination and make it harder to reach out for help. Its time to look at […]Continue readingMyths About Mental Illness
Preventing Suicide
Suicide. Its a difficult topic to bring up. However, when someone talks about suicide or brings up concern for a loved one, its important to take action and seek help quickly.Continue readingPreventing Suicide
Supporting a Loved One
When someone you love has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you feel a mixture of emotions. Concern, compassion, disbelief, anger, relief, anxiety, grief, love, guilt any and all of these emotions are understandable and normal.Continue readingSupporting a Loved One