Mental Health Still Matters
As the global health crisis lingers on, mental health issues continue to be a hot topic. Recent reports reveal that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime. October 10th has been designated as World Mental Health Awareness Day to help us all during these challenging times. Acknowledging and understanding mental health is also essential to your overall well-being in every season of life.
Understanding Mental Health & Mental Illnesses
It is critical to acknowledge the increasing negative impacts of the covid 19 pandemic on mental health in order to move forward. Although the terms mental health and mental illness are used frequently, there is a notable difference between the two.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental health is simply a state of well being, just like your physical health. This includes your emotions, feelings and ability to manage the highs and lows of life. Mental illness is a health problem affecting how we think, relate and interact with others. Your physical health is directly related to your mental health, so it is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support both. Separating our physical and mental well-being can seem difficult, so there should always be a focus on maintaining a healthy balance. Sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, and communication are considered the 5 pillars of health to target in order to achieve and maintain optimal health.
Mental illnesses can be presented in several different ways and categorized by behaviour and relationships with others. The World Health Organization identifies mental disorders through various characteristics, such as: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia and developmental disorders including autism.
While not everyone will experience mental illness the same way, there are ways to support your mental well being even during uncertain times.
GETTING HELP
Extended Healthcare at Home
The ability to connect with health care practitioners virtually is being recognized as an actual benefit of the pandemic. The rising concern of in-person appointments led to online appointments to reduce the risk of transmission and counteract lockdown challenges. Even though clinics re-opened, it is much more convenient to have a virtual appointment for some circumstances. Your busy schedule may not always allow for a visit to a physical building, but some of your questions can be answered over the phone or online. Virtual appointments can temporarily help to alleviate the stress of your condition or concern.
While virtual appointments can be initially helpful, there are some services that need to take place in person. Fortunately, the pandemic has also opened opportunities for in-home self care services. Certified practitioners can examine and treat patients in the comfort and security of their homes. Your risk of exposure to infections is actually lower when your therapist comes to you. Popular at-home services include: massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropody and orthotics. In particular, these services can alleviate pain to help you stay active and experience improved mental health.
Corporate Wellness
Companies across Canada have been taking advantage of technology by providing virtual wellness sessions to support their employees working from home. Never before have so many people pivoted to working from home in such a short period of time. Consequently, this created a new level of stress that compromised productivity and employee morale. Work benefits are no longer a perk, but now it's a mental health necessity.
There are a variety of corporate wellness sessions and webinars that focus on mental health, some of the topics include:
Stress management techniques
Habits to improve your mental and physical health
Managing your anxiety
Strategies to boost resiliency and improve burnout
Mindfulness meditation
How to combat fatigue and low mood with food
Yoga sessions to help reduce muscle tension in your neck, shoulders and back, relieve stress and improve sleep
GETTING STARTED
The right healthcare practitioner can help you with a strategy to maintain your mental health. HealthCasa understands that your mental health still matters and has the resources to support your needs. Online appointments are available to get you started on your health and wellness journey. HealthCasa therapists are certified and experienced to provide massage therapy, physiotherapy, ergonomic assessments, and orthotics conveniently in your home.
Discover the HealthCasa difference to maintain your physical and mental health!
Services are available online and in person 7 days per week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. All Covid 19 safety protocols are followed according to local health guidelines.
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