MONTREAL -- One in five Canadians will experience a mental health issue or mental illness in any given year, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
A survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights found in 2019, 84 per cent of Canadians said they are able to speak with others about mental health, compared to 42 per cent in 2012.
Mental illness can be anything from anxiety disorders, phobias, mood disorders, depression and PTSD. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or social status.
COPING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Here are a few guidelines from the Quebec government on how you can continue living life to the fullest:
- Know your limitations,
- Develop new skills and abilities,
- Recognize your strengths and use them,
- Make decisions and find solutions that are appropriate for you,
- Continue to believe that things will improve,
- Lead an active life,
- Contribute to society and your community,
- See yourself in a positive light to feel appreciated, respected and heard,
- Keep in mind that difficult situations are also an opportunity for change.
HERE IS A LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES IN QUEBEC
If ever you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to:
Your family doctor (if you have one)
Your local CLSC, CISSS or CIUSSS: 811
AMI-Quebec: 514-486-1448
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): 514-521-4993
Centre Interligne Inc.: (for issues related to sexual orientation): 514-866-0103
Depressives Anonymous: 514-278-2130
Groupe d'entraide pour un mieux-être: (GEME): 450-332-4463
Quebec Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation: 514-727-0012
Société québécoise de la schizophrénie: 514-251-4000 x3400
Suicide Action Montreal: 1 866 277 3553
Suicide Prevention Service: 1 866 APPELLE
Veterans Affairs Canada: 1 800 268-7708
If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
