UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH

Is a behavioural, emotional or cognitive pattern of functioning in an individual that is associated with distress, suffering, or impairment in one or more areas of life – such as school, work, or social and family interactions.

biological factors – e.g., genetic influences, chemical imbalances, exposure to environmental toxins

negative early life experiences – e.g., abuse, neglect, death of a relative or other losses and trauma

individual factors – e.g., self-esteem or way of thinking current social circumstances – e.g., school, work, financial,

relationship or family stress, or negative life events

- Courtesy of Children Mental Health Ontario 2011

What Is Mental Health?

What are the Indicators that someone may be experiencing a Mental Health Issue?

Withdrawn or isolate self Loss pleasure in activities Mood Swings/ elevated mood Anger or increased aggression (verbal or physical) Inability to concentrate/ Lack of Focus/ energy &

motivation Bizarre Behaviour Poor Hygiene/ Eating/ Sleeping Disorganization in thoughts or expressions Unexplained absences from school or work Substance use Other factors could be related to psychosocial stressors

like family, relationships, and poor coping skills

Adolescent Mental Health

Anxiety Disorders Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Behaviour Disorders (Oppositional Defiant

Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD)) Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder

(Manic-Depression))  Eating Disorders Schizophrenia Substance Abuse Tourette Syndrome

Common Adolescent Disorders

Frequency Intensity Duration Developmental Age Family History

If you or your family notice these changes consult with your family doctor

IF the child is experiencing difficulties at school; consult with guidance, principal, or mental health professional (CYW, Social Worker)

How do you know when to seek help?

If your child is in crisis call 911. In some areas of the city the police work with mental health professionals.

Youthdale Mobile Crisis Peel Children Centre Mobile Crisis Hospitals (St.Josephs, William Olser, South

Lake, HRRH, NYGH, TEGH, Rouge Valley, Oakville Trafalgar)

CAMH Kids Helpline www.kidsmentalhealth.ca

Resources