Aboriginal Mental Health: The statistical reality

It’s well known that the Aboriginal people of Canada face a unique set of mental health challenges.² But what may not be so well known is that, in a 2002/03 survey, about 70% of First Nations adults living on reserves felt in balance physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. And, among Aboriginal people living both on and off reserve, those who did experience a mental health problem were much more likely than the rest of Canadians to seek professional help—a positive step towards healing. In some groups, the number of Aboriginal people seeking help was as high as 17%—compared to the Canadian average of 8%. These numbers would probably have been even higher if more mental health professionals were available in isolated areas.Read More

Off Course On Campus: The Student Mental Health Crisis

Off Course On Campus: The Student Mental Health Crisis

A growing number of post-secondary students face mental health challenges. Meet some of these students, find out how institutions are addressing the issue, and explore what needs to be done to better support the post-secondary student population. Read More. Watch video

The Student Mental Health Crisis

A growing number of post-secondary students face mental health challenges. Meet some of these students, find out how institutions are addressing the issue, and explore what needs to be done to better support the post-secondary student population. Read More

Mental Health and Wellness

Mental health and wellness encompass both the mental and emotional aspects of being - how you think and feel. Some signs of good mental health include:

• Knowing and taking pride in who you are;
• Enjoying life;
• Being able to form and maintain satisfying relationships;
• Coping with stress in a positive way;
• Striving to realize your potential; and
• Having a sense of personal control. Read More 
  
  
  

LGBT Health Issues

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of health and well-being. Social determinants of health such as income, housing status and education level impact the health of all of us in different ways, and we all vary in how much we exercise, what we eat and what our genetics have in store for us. 

But there are some specific health issues that are generally more likely to affect LGBT people, and it is important to note that these increased health risks are largely a result of social marginalization and the stress of coping with prejudice and discrimination. 

Here are some of the health issues that are of concern to LGBT people:

Mental Health

There are many reasons why people may develop emotional or psychological problems during their lives, but LGBT people face particular challenges. Negative attitudes, discrimination and violence can contribute to mental and emotional distress for LGBT people.Read More 

One in six Canadians say they needed mental health treatment last year, StatsCan reports

We live in a society under stress and Statistics Canada has the numbers to prove it.

Almost one in six adult Canadians reported needing mental health care last year, according to a new report Wednesday from StatsCan. Not all received it.

The agency's release on mental health from its Canadian Community Health Survey. Read More

Canada's prisons becoming warehouses for the mentally ill

Canada’s prisons are facing a growing crisis as they become the “institutions of last resort” for people with mental illnesses, the Canadian Psychiatric Association says.

“Corrections [Canada]is not geared to deal with some of the needs of a vast population of people with major mental illnesses,” CPA board member Gary Chaimowitz told The Globe and Mail.