Facing Facts De-stigmatizing

Mental IllnessInformation for Students and Staff

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their life time

• Anyone can be affected by mental illness regardless of age, gender, culture, income level or social class

• Mental illness is treatable

Alberta Mental Health Board

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• More than half of those affected by mental illness won’t seek help due to shame, stigma, or lack of information

• Uncovering the truth behind misconceptions can help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• Mental illness contributes approximately $33 billion in economic losses nationally based on disability claims, lost work time and low productivity

• Young adults aged 15-24 experience the highest incidence of mental disorders of any age group in Canada

(Stats Canada)

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• An estimated 14% (80,000) of children in Canada experience mental health disorders• Anxiety, behavioural and depressive disorders are the most common disorders affecting children

• Mental health disorders are a leading health concern in Canadian children after infancy

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• Most people who seek treatment for their mental illness get better and live stable, healthy and productive lives

•Mental illness affects people of every profession and every walk of life. A person with a mental illness can do anything – and be good at it!

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• Mental illness can manifest itself in many forms - ways that might not initially appear obvious to friends, families and co-workers.

Sally may not need a performance review.

Sally may need help.Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• Having a mental illness is not a character flaw or sign of weakness; it is a medical illness, just like heart disease or diabetes

• Open up discussion around mental illness –

the more we talk about it, the more stigma is reduced

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?

• Check your mental health just as you would assess your physical or dental health

• Knowing the signs and symptoms of a mental illness is critical for early detection and treatment

Mental Illness: Did you Know…?• Maintain balance:

work, home, social, emotional, physical and spiritual to maintain your mental health

• Ask about support and accommodations available at work or school to those who are dealing with a mental illness

Resources for Students• Student Counselling Services is staffed by

Registered Psychologists and psychologists-in-training and offers free services to students currently enrolled at the University of Alberta

• For information on SCS visit www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/counselling

• Students can also access additional on-line resources at www.virtualwellness.ualberta.ca

Resources for Staff• Health Promotion and WorkLife Services (HPaWS) can

direct staff members to valuable resources and support for people affected by mental illness. Visit www.hrs.ualberta.ca/worklife for information

• Staff members and their dependents can access the University’s EFAP

directly by calling 428-7587

• On-line resources can be found at www.hrs.ualberta.ca/efap orwww.virtualwellness.ualberta.ca