The impacts — both physically and mentally — of the COVID-19 global pandemic will not be fully known for some time. Whether you’ve had COVID-19 and recovered, were tested and the results were negative, known someone in one of both categories, or you simply have been isolated in your home for months, you have experienced the pandemic and your mental health has been affected.
Today, as we join the conversation for Bell Let’s Talk Day let’s take a look at mental health and mental illness.
What is mental health?
Mental health can be described much like our physical health. We exercise and eat well to maintain healthy bodies. In the case of your mental well-being, you need to give awareness to how you are managing your life, how you cope with the highs and lows, the stresses and anxieties, that we all experience regularly.
Conditions like depression, anxiety disorder, addictive behaviors, and eating disorders are all examples of types of mental illness. They become concerning and in need of attention when your moods, thoughts, and behaviors are impacting your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
The brain is complex. Let’s look at how it works.
Our brain contains billions of neurons that are essentially the communicators. They communicate with the help of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) moving from neuron to neuron. You might be familiar with some of the common brain chemicals associated with joy and happiness — serotonin (mood stabilizer), dopamine (reward chemical), endorphins (painkiller), or oxytocin (the love hormone). Working together these brain chemicals all contribute to how we feel emotionally.
Watch this video for a crash course on how brain chemicals work.
Scientific advances in recent years have made it clear that the brain plays a central role in mental health. Our brains are complex organs and much like other organs — the heart, kidneys, or lungs — illness occurs when it is not working properly.
Watch for signs of mental illness
With all the activity happening in the brain it is not surprising that disruptions occur. Like our physical health, learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness is key. The symptoms can range from loss of motivation and energy, changed sleep patterns, extreme mood swings, disturbances in thought or perception, or overwhelming obsessions or fears. Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains.
From time to time many of us will experience symptoms and have concerns about our mental well-being, more so now as we live through a pandemic. The good news is there are resources and techniques to help improve your mental wellness. However, sometimes the chemicals in your brain don’t work as they should. For example, if you aren’t producing enough serotonin you may suffer from ongoing symptoms of depression making it difficult, or unbearable to function on a daily basis. Eventually, this affects your life at home, work, or school. Fortunately, there are medications and/or therapeutic ways to help. A visit to your primary health care provider is a great place to start.
What can I do to help improve my mental health?
Start with your outlook on life. Is your glass half full or half empty? Having a positive outlook makes a difference in how you feel. Yes, we all can feel grumpy sometimes, but it has been proven that focusing on the positive, rather than having negative thoughts has an impact on your mental well-being. It won’t happen overnight. It will take work, much like physical exercise, but it is worth the effort.
Here are some simple things you can try today:
• Take a walk or run outside.
• A nap can always give a boost of energy.
• Call a friend or family member.
• Read a book.
• Listen to a podcast.
• Tidy your workspace and get rid of clutter.
Longer term strategies to improve your mental wellness:
• Practice gratitude with a daily journal or create a Gratitude Jar
• Include meditation and yoga in your daily or weekly activities.
• Consider a yearly mental health check-up with a psychologist.
Online Resources:
The Saskatchewan Science Centre is honoured to work with local organizations like The More Joy Movement led by the author of Journey to Joy, Christalee Forese. Learn more about Christalee’s journey and the movement at morejoy.ca
Government of Saskatchewan: Mental Health and COVID-19
Mental Wellness Support Lines in Saskatchewan: CMHA Saskatchewan Division
Depression in men has long been surrounded by strong stigma. HeadsUpGuys aims to destroy these myths and empower men with the tools they need to combat depression.: You’re Not Alone | Depression Stories from Men
Resources for children: CTV Your Morning - 10 Amazing Reads That Will Help Your Kids Understand Mental Health
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