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Mental Health Week May 7, 2013 (0) Comments in Healthy Tips by Total Therapy

Living Healthy: Mind & Body

May 6^th – 12^th is the Annual Mental Health Week designated by the Canadian Mental Health Association. This year, CMHA celebrates its 62^nd Mental Health Week to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.

Although as many as 20% of Canadians suffer from one or more mental illnesses in their life, many people find it difficult and uncomfortable to talk about mental illness and mental health.

Just like physical illness, mental illness can take different forms and severities. It affects people of all ages, genders, cultures, occupations, and socioeconomic levels. If not treated, mental illness can leave you dysfunctional in your work and home, and may even end your life. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, accounting close to 24% of all deaths among adolescents and young adults in Canada.

Therefore, learning about mental illness and breaking the stigma are very important for living a truly healthy life.

In this special series, the two most common mental illnesses will be discussed – depression and anxiety. Depression and Anxiety are two of the top ten all-time Google search keywords in the health category. This shows that many British Columbians are affected by the very two mental health conditions.

Stress and relationship problems are some of the common issues that affect our mental well-being. Feel free to click on the links below to view the articles on stress management and relationship issues.

About to snap?: Snap out of Stress

How to diffuse conflict with your partner

This article was contributed by Steve Baik, RCC. Steve is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (R.C.C.) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. He has a B.A. in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, Vancouver.

“I enjoy getting out and experiencing the natural beauty of BC. I stay healthy with running, swimming, snowboarding and going to the gym.” – Steve