Mental health plays a pivotal role at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Mental health comprises of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being by influencing how we think, feel, and act. It also helps regulate how we handle stress, make choices and relate to others. In a psychologically healthy workplace, the work environment should be respectful and productive. The workplace should also make reasonable efforts to promote and protect the mental health of all employees. The concept of ‘Being healthy’- mostly focus upon the physical implications such as- absences of diseases, low cholesterol levels and good cardiovascular strength. However, a great mental heath is required to enjoy an improved quality of life.
There are various serious mental health disorders that can make everyday living almost impossible including major ones such as depression, stress, addiction, PTSD and anxiety disorder. People’s life becomes unbearable for the ones suffering from mental health issues. If the mental health illness goes untreated or the treatment is delayed, it could have a wider impact on the whole society.
Investing in mental health today
Digital technology plays a crucial role in the treatment of mental illness. This opens ways for people to access treatment when face-to-face talk therapy and medication are not readily available.
Mental and physical health are closely related, physical challenges or ailments can trigger disorders like anxiety and depression, and vice versa in the average working adult. Employees with a serious mental illness are at a higher risk of developing a chronic physical health condition. Canadians with a chronic physical illness experience depression and anxiety twice as much as those who aren’t chronically ill, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
As per various surveys, most employees in fast paced world reported main cause of their mental health problem was workplace stress, depression and anxiety. Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed Healthy Minds@Work-resources. This hub of tools and resources aim to support employees in their efforts to address psychological health and safety in the workplace. HR professionals have an important role to play in safeguarding employees and addressing mental health concerns. Creating a psychologically safe and supportive workplace is a legal, business and health imperative.
Substance abuse and mental health disorders
Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, although one doesn't necessarily directly cause the other. Abusing substances such as marijuana, cannabis or methamphetamine can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, while alcohol can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse. Substance use may trigger changes in brain structure and function that make a person more likely to develop a mental disorder. Cocaine and hallucinogenic drugs can make previous mental health problems worse, and trigger psychosis and schizophrenia. Ecstasy users can experience memory problems. Mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) share some underlying causes such as genetic vulnerabilities, brain composition changes, and exposure to trauma or stress. SUD and mental illnesses often occur together, and people with both conditions experience worse outcomes than those with only one. Different substances can have different effects on mental health.
Strengthening Mental Health and Wellness-ON, Canada
Acknowledging the high levels of pressures confronted by Ontario’s health care workers and other critical support staff working in the province's hospitals, several Ontario mental health resources are compiled by the OHA that health care workers, leaders and organizations can easily access as follows:
AbilitiCBT- It is an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) program, provided free to Ontarians aged 16 and over. It is developed to address pandemic and general related depression and anxiety.
Big White Wall - Big White Wall is an online peer support and self-management tool for youth 16+ and adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression and anxiety. The service is available through the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) and is free for people living in Ontario.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)-A new hub has been launched by CAMH that houses a growing list of evidence-based resources for FLWs and HCWs to manage their mental health and support their families and patients. ECHO sessions are virtually joined through multi-point videoconference technology by participants to learn and share about ways to build resilience and overall wellness through case-based discussions and didactic lectures.
Mental health and substance abuse certificate program at Springfield College is an online certificate program designed to make the students learn the diverse aspects of community mental health, factors contribute to various mental health problems, comorbidities, understanding the warning signs of mental illness and stigma associated with mental health and coping with it as well as the close association of substance abuse in clients affected by mental health disorders. Students will be able to understand, apply the concept of and efficiently work with those suffering from the impact of the stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, various eating disorders and other mental health conditions to describe their own stress and general wellbeing and that of their clients. The program provides detailed knowledge and educate students about a variety of very important topics such as controlled and illegal drugs, substance abuse in clients suffering from the mental health problems, controlled acts and drugs, drug scheduling in Canada, unscheduled drugs, the new Cannabis Act and its supporting regulations, crucial details related to and uses, applications, side effects of the substances such as CBD and THC and mental health.
You may read the book on- Mental Health-by Usha Dabas: Available on Amazon.ca in Digital and paper print formats.
ANXIETY & DEPRESSION - A JOURNEY FROM SUFFERING TO THRIVING: An inspiring story of a Mental Health Warrior by PROF USHA DABAS (Author)
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For details of Mental health and substance abuse certificate program and best learning-
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Tel: 905-216-1600; 416-456-6689