Mental Illnesses In Canada

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The famous American journalist Jane Pauley, who is recognized for her advocacy for helping those with mental illnesses, stated, “My goal is to see that mental illness is treated like cancer.” One in five Canadians will experience a mental health condition throughout their lives and children who suffer with mental health problems will more likely to suffer when they become adolescents and adults (Mental Health Commission Of Canada, 2012). Mental illnesses are considered one of the most misunderstood disorders in today’s society, mostly due to the lack of knowledge on the topic. Many are afraid of seeking help due to the stigmas linked to mental illnesses and how society identifies them. Adolescents can lean towards the influence of social media, …show more content…

It can relieve stress, increase one’s self-confidence, and decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness (Schwartz, 2013). There seems to be a lack of social support systems for young adults to depend on when they need advice or emotional support, which can lead to a misunderstanding of whether they have a serious mental illness or if it is a temporary emotion of feeling lonely and empty. One might feel like they might have symptoms of a mental illness but might not associate it with that illness and do not know who to reach out to. “Only one in three people who experience a mental health problem or illness — and as few as one in four children or youth — report that they have sought and received services and treatment.” ("The Facts." Mental Health Strategy, 2012). Many young adults do not know the signs and symptoms of different mental illnesses and this can lead to incorrectly self-diagnosing their illness instead of seeking professional help. Several people may develop signs and symptoms of depression throughout their teenage years and do not know how to seek help. School guidance departments tend to focus more on how they can help students with their education and future and do not value students’ mental health as greatly. Without the support from school, family, or friends it can lead one to a sense of social deprivation and isolation causing them to withdraw from people and their daily routines. The lack of social support can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts, as one might feel unloved and unappreciated by those around them. Having someone to talk to not only can be reassuring but it shows that people care and that they will not judge one for their

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