What is mental illness?
Mental illness is marked by a disruption of mood, thoughts and ability to function in your daily life. The disruptions to mood and thought are often overwhelming and can leave a person feeling as though they are unable to cope with life’s demands. Some mental illnesses, such as depression, can be temporary or episodic, while others, such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, are life-long. It is not always easy to know if a person is suffering from mental illness, and if they are, sometimes it is unclear as to what illness that might be. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders – IV (DSM-IV) is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental illness. At present, the DSM-IV includes over 300 different mental illnesses.
There is no one test that a person can take that will definitively diagnose a mental illness, though tests are given to provide some information. A trained and experienced mental health provider can provide an accurate mental illness diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment options.
There is no one test that a person can take that will definitively diagnose a mental illness, though tests are given to provide some information. A trained and experienced mental health provider can provide an accurate mental illness diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment options.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have depression or another mood related concern, talk to your doctor.
Markers of depression include:
(Most of the days, in the past two weeks)
Inability to feel:
o Pleasure, hope, love, or attachment
o Emotionally “flat”
Thinking:
o Poor concentration due to difficulty pulling thoughts together, slow thinking
Thoughts:
o “I’m disgusting, worthless, inadequate.”
o “I’ve done something wrong; I’m at fault.”
o “Nothing will work out.”
o “Things will never get better”
o “I cannot do anything. Nothing helps.”
o “Death would be a relief.”
Motivation:
o Loss of will, desire, interest
o Avoidance of people, work and activity
Physical:
o Disrupted sleep: too much or too little
o Poor appetite or overeating
o Weight loss or gain
o Reduced or no ability to respond sexually
o Possible crying spells without knowing why
Activity:
o Restless or slowed activity/speech
o Reduced talking, smiling, motion, energy
You can take an anonymous depression screening test at: www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org
Additional Mental Health Resources:
http://camimh.ca/about-mental-illness-and-mental-health/
http://mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca/
Local Mental Health Services:
• Leduc Mental Health Clinic (780) 986-2660
Subsidized Counselling:
• FCSS – Leduc (780) 980-7109
• FCSS – Beaumont (780) 929-1369 or (780) 929-3327
• FCSS – Devon (780) 987-8325
• FCSS – Leduc County (780) 979-2385
Supportive Listening:
• Leduc Regional Hub: Tues to Fri 2-6pm, Sat 11am-1pm (780) 739-LHUB (5482)
• Distress Line (780) 482-HELP (4357)
Local Private Counselling:
• Connelly Counselling (780) 237-3510
• Iasis Psychological Services –www.icanheal.ca (780) 739-0707
• Karunia Counselling –www.karunia.ca (780) 628-3939
