Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Mental illness is common. Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives. Mental health is the foundation…
People go to great lengths to protect themselves from pain and injury. But some people hurt themselves on purpose to help them deal with bad feelings or thoughts. This is called self-harm. People who self-harm don’t do it to end their life—instead, self-harm may be the best way they know to survive. Self-harm means that you hurt yourself on purpose,…
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses with physical manifestations. A number of factors can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, including genetics and mental health as well as cultural factors. This is called the biopsychosocial model. While eating disorders are serious and can have life-threatening complications, they are also treatable illnesses. Many factors can influence the development of…
Addiction is a complex disease, often chronic in nature, which affects the functioning of the brain and body. It also causes serious damage to families, relationships, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. The most common symptoms of addiction are severe loss of control, continued use despite serious consequences, preoccupation with using, failed attempts to quit, tolerance and withdrawal. Addiction can be effectively…
Acute mental illness is characterized by significant and distressing symptoms of a mental illness requiring immediate treatment. This may be the person’s first experience of mental illness, a repeat episode or the worsening of symptoms of an often continuing mental illness. The onset of acute mental illness is sudden or rapid and the symptoms usually respond to treatment. In view…
Groups are formed around a shared issue.
Family therapy is a type of group psychotherapy. In family therapy, “family” is defined as a group of people who care about each other and call themselves a family. This could include parents and children, partners, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, caregivers and other professionals that are close to the group. The goal of family therapy is…
Couples therapy, or marriage counselling, is for those couples who are in a relationship,
Mental Health Therapy can help you manage strong feelings and emotions that are making you feel overwhelmed. Individual therapy can be a positive support in addressing mental health issues and designing a more balanced life. Working with a therapist that supports your mental health is an important part of your general health and well-being.
Abuse is about an imbalance of power and the attempt to gain power over another person. Different forms of abuse include psychological, physical, emotional, verbal and mental and are all used as methods to disempower another person. Physical abuse and bullying are the most recognizable form of abuse and affects men, women and children of all ages. It also includes…