Demystifying mental health
What is mental health?
Defining mental health is not simple: even specialists on the subject have difficulty agreeing on it. The definition we will use in this article therefore does not aim to put an end to this debate, but rather to clarify the meaning of the terms we will use. For the purposes of this article, we have therefore chosen to adopt the definition of the Association québécoise des parents et amis de la personne atteinte de maladie mentale (AQPAMM), where mental health is defined as “a state of well‑being in which an individual can realize his or her own potential and cope with the normal stresses of life” (https://aqpamm.ca/les-grands-types-de-maladies-mentales/)
Mental health as we define it is therefore a state of psychic, emotional, and psychological well‑being that all humans possess. However, as with physical health, it is not because one is not ill and has no injury that one is necessarily in good health, and vice versa. One may have no mental disorder and yet not have good mental health, and the reverse is also true: one may suffer from a mental health disorder and yet have good overall mental health. The state of our mental health is in constant fluctuation and will be so throughout our lives.
What is a mental health disorder?
As explained previously, the state of our mental health fluctuates throughout our lives according to our level of stress, the events we experience, and the social, political, and environmental contexts in which we live.
When someone feels mentally fragile or is suffering because they face more difficult events in their life and this affects their daily functioning, they can develop a mental health disorder. Mental disorders can be time‑limited, or can become permanent. Adjustment disorder, depression, and anxiety are, for example, mental health disorders. A diagnosis of a mental health disorder is based on specific criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and has been made by a health professional (doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.). Schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder are, among others, mental disorders that are generally permanent.
Does everyone suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their life?
According to Health Canada statistics, 1 in 3 Canadians will be affected by a mental health disorder during their lifetime (https://sante-infobase.canada.ca/labo-de-donnees/blogue-maladies-mentales.html). Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their social or economic status. The vast majority of people will experience them at least once during their lifetime.
Are there more mental health problems than before?
In general, Canadians are increasingly aware of psychological health. We better understand the symptoms of mental disorders and illnesses, we are more interested than before in their prevention, and we seek help more than we used to.
Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic we had to face also had strong repercussions on the mental health of Canadians and Quebecers, and even more so among adolescents and young adults. The number of young people aged 15–24 reporting good mental health fell by 19.4% between March 2019 and July 2020. Among adults, it was a drop of 17.5% for those 25–34 and 15.4% for those 35–44. The economic context and the sociopolitical climate in which we live have also had impacts on our mental state.
In short, it becomes clear that there are indeed more mental health problems than before.
When, and how, should one seek help for one’s own mental health or that of a loved one?
Everyone experiences difficult moments, faces challenges, and may feel more mentally fragile. However, when your situation does not seem to improve, when you feel that the tools and resources around you are insufficient, when you feel distressed and/or have difficulty completing your daily activities, additional professional help may be necessary.
The Ordre des psychologues du Québec provides a list of signs and situations where consulting a mental health professional is necessary and which you can refer to (https://www.ordrepsy.qc.ca/a-quel-moment-consulter-). Using health services and/or a mental health professional will help you gain clarity about your situation while helping you develop concrete tools to regain your mental well‑being.
What can I do to help myself or help someone who is suffering from a mental health disorder?
There are several things you can do to support a person with a mental health disorder. The most important thing is to give them love, understanding, and patience. Listen without judging and help them find professional help if they need it. You can also encourage them to stay active and to engage in their hobbies and interests.
Looking for concrete tools to approach someone suffering from a mental health disorder? The Pôle d’expertise et de recherche en santé et bien‑être des hommes offers a toolbox filled with resources that can help you (https://www.polesbeh.ca/documentation/coffre-outils-pour-hommes). Although these are aimed at men and their caregivers, they apply equally well to women and adolescents.
Know that you are not alone and that there are many tools and resources to help you.
Related articles
Preventing mental fatigue: take care of your health to avoid burnout
Between personal responsibilities, the workplace, unexpected events, and an often demanding pace of life, our brains are now under constant strain. Notifications, screens, multitasking, and the need for instant gratification sometimes leave little room to truly unwind or recharge. This reality is becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2023, more than 4.1 million Canadian workers reported experiencing high levels of work-related stress and daily overload.
Understanding grief: stages, emotions and the grieving process | Familio
When pain returns as time passes, it’s normal to wonder why. We hear about the stages of grief, as if simply going through them one by one would make things better. As if there were a "right way" to grieve. Yet grief does not follow a straight line. It can come back in waves, take different forms, and be experienced very differently from one person to another. Understanding what is happening can help put words to what we feel, recognize returning emotions, and know when to seek support.
Caregivers: the often invisible pillars of our society
Supporting a loved one experiencing loss of autonomy, caring for an ill spouse, or being present for a child with particular challenges — for many caregivers, these situations are simply part of daily life. Learn about caregivers, the impact on their mental health, and how to better support them.