Treatment of Mental Disorders

by Health Canada

(Page 2 of 2)

Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. Treatment methods may include one or more of the following:

• medication;
• scientifically based psycho-therapies - such as cognitive therapy - which help patients learn to effectively change their thinking, feelings and behaviour;
• counselling;
• community support services; and
• education.

However, because of the stigma of mental illness, many people avoid or delay treatment.

If you or someone close to you shows signs of mental illness, it is important that you seek treatment as soon as possible. Talk to a regulated health professional (e.g: family physician, psychologist, mental health nurse, social worker) or another trusted professional - such as a counselor or religious leader - about your concerns.

Minimizing Your Risk And Helping In Recovery

Seeking help early, along with focusing on maintaining or improving your mental wellness - or 'positive mental health' - are the best ways to minimize your risk for mental illness.

Positive mental health can help you cope with life's challenges and enjoy life to the fullest. It can also help your recovery if you develop a mental illness.

The following suggestions can help you develop and maintain positive mental health.

• eat a well-balanced diet based on Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating;
• take part in physical activity regularly;
• get enough sleep each night;
• avoid overuse of alcohol, such as binge drinking or drinking to cope with problems;
• avoid the use of illegal drugs;
• learn to deal with the stresses of modern life and take steps to minimize the stress in your life; and
• talk to others - your family, friends, colleagues - about things that concern you. Sharing feelings and anxieties can help you cope with them.

Government of Canada's Role

The Government of Canada has an important role to play in helping Canadians maintain and improve their mental health and cope with mental illness and addiction. Within its jurisdiction, the Government of Canada works to strengthen public health capacity in mental health and mental illness; set in place public health infrastructure to support mental health issues; provide knowledge generation and development; strengthen the capacity of the primary health care, home care and acute care sectors to effectively deliver mental health programs and services; provide leadership and governance; and develop social marketing campaigns.

The federal government also delivers primary and supplementary mental health services and addiction treatment to approximately one million Canadians, including: Status Indians and Inuit living "on reserve;" the military; veterans; civil aviation personnel; the RCMP; inmates in federal penitentiaries; arriving immigrants; and federal public servants. The Mental Health Promotion Unit (MHPU) of the Public Health Agency of Canada was created in 1995 to maintain and improve positive mental health and well-being for the Canadian population. The mandate of MHPU is to:

• promote and support mental health;
• reduce the burden of mental health problems and disorders by contributing to the development, synthesis, dissemination and application of knowledge;
• develop, implement and evaluate policies, programs and activities designed to promote mental health; and
• address the needs of people with mental health problems or disorders.

The MHPU conducts policy analysis, development and research. It works on community mobilization and capacity building and partners with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), professional associations and international organizations. The Unit also promotes activities in mental health systems reform.

The Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control in the Public Health Agency of Canada conducts surveillance on mental illness to guide decisions and programs, policies and services.

About the Author

www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances.