Pharmacists Blog – May 2013
Mental Health Week is from May 6th – May 12th
We all have good days and bad days – but are you feeling extremely blue? Having trouble concentrating? Are compulsive thoughts or voices taunting you? Mental health is a state of well-being and balance. When the scale is tipped too far one way or another, your mental health is in jeopardy. Just like physical health, weak areas need to be managed in order to feel strong overall.
There are many types of mood or mental health issues that can end up affecting daily living if left untreated or unmanaged. Depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, generalized anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, ADHD and eating disorders are all mental illnesses that can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
As a mental illness is recognized, it can be overwhelming for individuals, friends, and family. It is important to talk about these feelings and know that you are not alone. There is no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Mental health issues can affect anyone at any life stage . . . but it is most essential to be open, reach out, and seek help. Today, attention to mental illness is brought forth in schools, workplaces, and the media. This attention is aimed at raising awareness, breaking down barriers, removing stigma, and striving for open communication, so it can be discussed in a more open way.
Have you heard of mental fitness? Mental fitness is described as activities that aid in good mental health. A relaxing bubble bath, reading a poem, deep breathing, playing the piano, yoga, exercise, or whatever brings you joy can help keep your mental state in balance. It is important to get a good dose of mental fitness every day.
Here are a few great websites to browse for support or to get more information on mental health:
www.Cmha.ca – Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/mental/index-eng.php – Health Canada, Healthy Living
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca – Mental Health Commission of Canada
Feel free to call or come in if you would like to discuss your current mental health and fitness with one of our pharmacists.
