Northern Mental Health Services

07/06/2025

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12/15/2024

Which Addiction treatment is right for me?

Canada offers a wide range of substance abuse treatment options, making the task of selecting the right center quite daunting. A solid first step is starting with a good understanding of the available options. You’ll find here overviews of the most prevalent program types and links .

11/27/2024

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11/25/2024

How to restart yourself:

11/17/2024

11/16/2024

Increasing trend of Mental Health Issues in Canada is troubling:

In September, Statistics Canada released the results of their 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey, and it shows that far more Canadians are depressed and anxious today than they were a decade ago.

11/12/2024

Most Effective Mental Health Management

Managing mental health effectively involves a multifaceted approach that incorporates various strategies aimed at improving overall wellbeing. Here are the key steps to consider:

1. Connect with Other People

Building and maintaining strong relationships is crucial for mental health. Social connections can enhance feelings of belonging and self-worth, provide emotional support, and create opportunities for sharing positive experiences. To strengthen relationships, consider the following actions:

Spend Quality Time: Dedicate time each day to be with family or friends, such as having dinner together or engaging in activities.
Reach Out: Arrange outings with friends you haven’t seen in a while or visit someone who may need support.
Limit Technology Use: While technology can help maintain connections, it should not replace face-to-face interactions.
2. Be Physically Active

Physical activity is not only beneficial for physical health but also significantly impacts mental wellbeing. Regular exercise can boost self-esteem, improve mood through chemical changes in the brain, and provide a sense of accomplishment. To incorporate physical activity into your routine:

Choose Enjoyable Activities: Engage in exercises that you enjoy rather than feeling obligated to spend hours at the gym.
Set Realistic Goals: Start with achievable fitness goals to build confidence and motivation.
3. Learn New Skills

Learning new skills can enhance self-confidence and provide a sense of purpose. It also fosters connections with others who share similar interests. Consider these approaches to learning:

Take Up Hobbies: Explore new hobbies like cooking, DIY projects, or creative arts that challenge you.
Enroll in Courses: Sign up for classes at local colleges or online platforms to learn something new without the pressure of exams.
4. Give to Others

Acts of kindness and giving can improve your mental wellbeing by fostering positive feelings and a sense of purpose. Engaging in community service or simple acts of kindness can create meaningful connections with others. Some ways to give back include:

Volunteer Locally: Participate in community service activities such as helping at schools or hospitals.
Practice Kindness Daily: Small gestures like thanking someone or listening attentively can make a significant impact.
5. Pay Attention to the Present Moment (Mindfulness)

Mindfulness involves being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment. This practice can enhance enjoyment of life and improve self-understanding. To cultivate mindfulness:

Practice Mindfulness Techniques: Engage in meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply take time to appreciate nature around you.
Focus on Sensory Experiences: Tune into what you see, hear, smell, and feel during daily activities.
6. Get More from Your Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for mental health management. Adults typically require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning. To improve sleep quality:

Establish a Routine: Create a relaxing bedtime routine that helps signal your body it’s time to wind down.
Limit Distractions Before Bedtime: Avoid screens, caffeine, and vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
By integrating these strategies into daily life, individuals can significantly enhance their mental health management efforts.

References:

Mental Health Foundation A

NHS (National Health Service)

World Health Organization (WHO)

11/12/2024

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in Canada

In Canada, mental health issues are prevalent among the population. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness in any given year, and by the time individuals reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 will have experienced a mental illness. Young people, particularly those aged 15 to 24, are at a higher risk for both mental illnesses and substance use disorders compared to other age groups. For instance, 39% of Ontario high school students report moderate-to-serious psychological distress, with an additional 17% indicating serious levels of distress.

Demographics and Co-occurring Disorders

The data shows significant differences in how mental health issues manifest across genders. Men tend to have higher rates of substance use disorders, while women are more likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, there is a notable correlation between physical health conditions and mental health; individuals with chronic physical conditions often experience mood disorders, and vice versa.

A critical aspect of mental health management is understanding the relationship between mental illness and substance use disorders. Individuals with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use disorder compared to the general population, with at least 20% having co-occurring disorders. In cases like schizophrenia, this figure can rise to as high as 50%. Conversely, those with substance use disorders are up to three times more likely to have a mental illness, highlighting the intertwined nature of these issues.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Socioeconomic status also plays a significant role in mental health outcomes. Canadians from the lowest income brackets are reported to be 3 to 4 times more likely than those from higher income groups to report poor or fair mental health. Additionally, studies indicate that between 23% and 67% of homeless individuals may suffer from a mental illness, underscoring the need for targeted interventions within this vulnerable population.

Morbidity and Mortality Rates

Mental illnesses and substance use disorders contribute significantly to disability in Canada. They lead to premature mortality; it is estimated that these conditions can reduce life expectancy by 10 to 20 years. The burden of disease associated with these issues is substantial—higher than all cancers combined and significantly greater than infectious diseases.

Statistics reveal that approximately 67,000 deaths annually in Canada are attributable to substance use, including over 47,000 due to to***co and nearly 15,000 due to alcohol-related causes. Opioid-related deaths alone accounted for about 14,700 fatalities between January 2016 and September 2019.

Su***de Rates

Su***de remains a critical concern within the context of mental health management in Canada. Approximately 4,000 Canadians die by su***de each year, averaging nearly 11 su***des per day. While overall su***de rates have shown a downward trend since peaking in 1983 (15.1 deaths per 100,000), certain demographics remain disproportionately affected—particularly men (who account for over 75% of su***des) and Indigenous youth (who face rates significantly higher than non-Indigenous populations).

Among youth aged 15-24 years old, su***de is the second leading cause of death after accidents. Alarmingly high percentages of high school students report having seriously contemplated su***de or attempted it within the past year.

Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

Despite growing awareness around mental health issues, stigma remains a barrier preventing individuals from seeking help. A survey indicated that about 75% of working Canadians would be reluctant or refuse to disclose their mental illness status at work, primarily due to fears surrounding stigma and potential negative consequences.

In summary, managing mental health effectively requires addressing various factors including prevalence rates across demographics, co-occurring disorders between substance use and mental illnesses, socioeconomic impacts on well-being, mortality statistics related to these conditions, su***de prevention strategies tailored for at-risk groups, and combating stigma associated with seeking help.

References:
Statistics Canada
Canada Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Graphics Credit: Janice Nelson

11/10/2024

Current Trends in Mental Health

Overview of Adolescent Mental Health Trends

Recent years have seen a significant increase in mental health concerns among adolescents, particularly in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, leading to a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health declared in 2021. This declaration was supported by advisories from the U.S. Surgeon General, highlighting the urgent need for attention to youth mental health.

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues

According to recent surveys, approximately 21% of adolescents reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, while 17% reported symptoms of depression during 2021 and 2022. These figures indicate a worrying trend, especially when compared to earlier data; for instance, feelings of sadness and hopelessness among adolescents rose from 28% in 2011 to 42% in 2021. Notably, female adolescents report higher rates of both anxiety (31% vs. 12% for males) and depression (25% vs. 10% for males), reflecting broader patterns observed historically.

Additionally, LGBT+ adolescents are disproportionately affected, with 43% reporting anxiety and 37% reporting depression, compared to their non-LGBT+ peers (14% and 11%, respectively). This disparity underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions that consider sexual identity.

Impact of Adverse Experiences

Many adolescents report adverse experiences that contribute to their mental health struggles. In surveys conducted during this period, 34% reported bullying, 17% experienced emotional abuse by a parent, and 15% faced neighborhood violence. Such experiences can significantly impact mental well-being and are often linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression.

Substance Use Trends

The trends in substance use among adolescents have also changed dramatically. Deaths due to drug overdoses more than doubled from 253 deaths in 2018 to 723 deaths in 2022, largely driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The share of overdose deaths involving opioids rose from 57% to 78% during this time frame. While White adolescents still account for the largest share of these deaths, there has been a notable increase among Black and Hispanic adolescents.

Su***de Rates Among Adolescents

Su***de remains a critical concern as it is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Although su***de rates peaked in 2018, they have shown some decline recently. In 2022, American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents had the highest su***de rates at 22.2 per 100,000, followed by White adolescents at 7.2 per 100,000.

Access to Mental Health Care

Despite the rising prevalence of mental health issues, many adolescents do not receive adequate care. In recent years, only about 20% reported receiving mental health therapy, while around 14% were on prescription medication for their conditions. There are significant barriers preventing access to care, including stigma, lack of culturally sensitive services, and underdiagnosis among certain racial and ethnic groups.

In summary, current trends indicate a growing crisis in adolescent mental health characterized by increased rates of anxiety and depression, rising substance use-related deaths, persistent su***de risks, and significant barriers to accessing necessary mental health services.