Understanding Mental Health DisordersInformation for Postsecondary Students

Learning Objectives• You will have an understanding of the most

common mental health disorders facing postsecondary students• You will learn how to help your friends or

family members who may have one of these problems• You will develop some strategies for

removing stigma

Why should we learn about this?• Increase prevalence among Canadians• Student stress and impact on academic

success• Society talking about anti stigma and

inclusion• Congruent with the underlying principles of

many curricula

Prevalence• 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness

in their lifetime BUT 1 in 3 postsecondary students will have a mental health problem.• Onset of most mental illnesses between ages

15-25• Postsecondary student population highest risk

age group for mental illness and problematic substance use• Students experience a high degree of personal

stress• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in this

age group after accidents

Mental Health Disorders• Anxiety disorders• Depression• Stress• Substance Use Disorder• Mood disorders• Psychosis and Schizophrenia• Eating disorder• Self-injury• Suicide

Anxiety Disorders

• feelings of anxiousness• physiological symptoms• feelings that interfere with everyday

activities • e.g. phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-

compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder.

Depression• Occurs when the ‘blues’ become too much

to handle or persist over time• Medical condition caused by imbalance in

brain chemistry• Can be triggered by stress, school

difficulties and many other life problems

Stress• Feeling of being ‘on-edge’, nervous• Can have negative impact on studies

– Concentration– Memory– Performance– Creativity

• Symptoms include headache, upset stomach etc• Balance is key!

Substance Use Disorder• Often started as a way of coping with

stress.• People with a mental health problem are at

greater risk for SUD• Can be socially acceptable so easy to start

and continue• Impairs judgment about factors that would

otherwise support GOOD mental health

Mood Disorders• 10% -20% of the Canadian population • Seen when a major depression and mania is

reported over a period of time. • Mood disorders are related to bipolar

disorder, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety and personality disorders.• Mood disorder is an illness. • It may cause people to feel intense emotions

that can cause difficulty with mental health, physical health, relationships and being productive in school or workplace settings.

Self Injury• Self injury is the act of hurting oneself.

People do this as a coping strategy for psychological pain. They many find that the physical pain of cutting, burning, picking at skin or hair, or punching themselves is a relief from the unbearable pain caused by something in their lives. Feelings of loneliness, depression or anger may be causing a buildup of tension.• People who self injure can come from any

background. It may impact people who are rich or poor, high school or college students. They may be from any profession.

• These are complex biochemical brain disorders that often first appear in the young adult age. • The person may experience delusions,

hallucinations, hear voices and perhaps have feelings of confusion.• These conditions can be treated.

Psychosis & Schizophrenia

Suicide• Caused by feelings of hopelessness, pain,

and desperation• Usually there is an underlying disorder such

a depression, anxiety or other conditions that can be treated successfully

Myths About Suicide• Myth: People rarely think about suicide.

Reality: Youth and suicide are more closely linked than we might expect. In a survey of 15,000 grade 7 to 12 students in British Columbia, 34% knew of someone who had attempted or died by suicide; 16% had seriously considered suicide; 14% had made a suicide plan; 7% had made an attempt and 2% had required medical attention due to an attempt.

• Myth: Talking about suicide will give a person the idea, or permission, to consider suicide as a solution to their problems.

Reality: Talking calmly about suicide, without showing fear or making judgments, can bring relief to someone who is feeling terribly isolated. A willingness to listen shows sincere concern; encouraging someone to speak about their suicidal feelings can reduce the risk of an attempt.

• Myth: Suicide is sudden and unpredictable.

Reality: Suicide is most often a process, not an event. Eight out of ten people who die by suicide gave some, or even many, indications of their intentions.

• Myth: Youth who talk about suicide are only seeking attention or trying to manipulate others.

Reality: Efforts to manipulate or grab attention are always a cause for concern. It is difficult to determine if a youth is at risk of suicide.

All suicide threats must be taken seriously.

• Myth: People who talk about suicide are determined to die.

Reality: People who talk about suicide are in pain. They don't necessarily want to die; they want their pain to end. If their ability to cope is stretched to the limit, or if problems occur together with a mental illness, it can seem that death is the only way to make the pain stop.

• Myth: A person who contemplates suicide will always be at risk.

Reality: Many people feel that suicide is a viable option at some time in their lives. The overwhelming desire to escape from pain can be relieved when the problem or pressure is relieved. Learning effective coping techniques to deal with stressful situations can help.

How you can Help• Listen to a friend who seems to be troubled• Learn about the places in your community

you can suggest for help• Suggest they chat with a college staff

person in counselling area• Inform of good2talk.ca• Inform of 4studenthealth.ca

Life Balance: keeping mentally healthy• Eat nutritious meals• Exercise – even a walk outside• Spend time with friends• Carve out leisure time• Get involved• Learn to manage stress• Talk things out with someone you trust

before things get out of hand.

Change your World• Stigma exists out of ignorance• Be a part of awareness activities• Inspect your every day language for phrases

that promote stigma• Take time to volunteer whatever time you

can give• Maintain activities that will promote YOUR

good mental health – and tell others

Be a part of the solution!