What is Mental Health?

 

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps us determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

 

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behaviour could be affected. Similar to physical health problems, there are many factors that can contribute to mental health problems, some of these include:

·       Biological factors, such as our genes or brain chemistry

·       Life experiences, such as current or past trauma or abuse

·       Family history of mental health problems

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Nobody is immune to mental illness, and many of us will suffer to varying degrees at one or more points in our lives.

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Some examples of mental illnesses include:

·       Mood disorders: major depression and bipolar disorder

·       Schizophrenia

·       Anxiety disorders

·       Personality disorders

·       Eating disorders

·       Problem gambling

·       Substance dependency

 

Sadly, many still find it difficult to discuss or open up to others about mental health issues, for risk of being judged. The stigma around mental health in our society is enormous and it causes so much undue suffering.

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I have personally suffered from mental health issues at times in my life, and have witnessed others struggle too. My own stepson Stuart died in June 2017 at the age of 29 as a result of an accidental drug overdose. He suffered for many years from his own mental health struggles, but the treatment and support he received were simply not enough. Life will never be the same again for his mom, his sister, his brother and me, as well as the many friends and others whose lives Stuart touched in such a positive way.

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Fortunately in recent years, awareness of the issues around mental health has increased with initiatives like Bell’s Let’s Talk and the Lady Gaga Born This Way Foundation. Here in Canada organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are leading the research towards better Mental Health for everyone, but as they operate on charitable donations, they need your help. I urge you to please contribute what you can in support of the Alumni Run for Mental Health, but above all, I also urge you to reach out a helping hand or a listening ear to anyone you think may be struggling with a mental health issue. Let them know they are not alone.

 

Clive

Alumni Run Crew Founder and Co-Leader