TORONTO -- Every year, approximately one in five Canadians experience a mental health challenge, but only half of them receive the support they need.
(CAMH), by the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, one in two have a mental illness or have had one in the past.
Despite these startling statistics, many Canadians don鈥檛 know how to recognize they鈥檙e struggling with a mental health problem and what they should do to treat it.
鈥淒epression is a very common illness that goes beyond us just being stressed out and it鈥檚 also an eminently treatable condition,鈥� Dr. David Gratzer told CTV鈥檚 Your Morning on Wednesday. 鈥淧eople can get better, they can get back to work, they can get back to life.鈥�
To reach that point, the CAMH physician and psychiatrist offered advice on how Canadians can identify if they or someone they know is experiencing a mental health problem and what to do next.
Is it really a problem?
While everyone experiences bad days and low moods from time to time, Gratzer said people should be concerned if those feelings persist for a prolonged period.
鈥淭hings become more problematic when it stays with us,鈥� he explained. 鈥淲hen it鈥檚 more than a few hours, when it鈥檚 days, when functionality changes.鈥�
Gratzer said, even if someone appears to be thriving at work, they may be having trouble getting out of bed in the mornings, which could be indicative of a more serious problem.
For those who are concerned about someone else, Gratzer said they should watch for warning signs in that person鈥檚 behaviour.
鈥淪omething is different,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t goes beyond he鈥檚 just having a bad day, but here鈥檚 the person who loved to come to family dinners and talk about curling who doesn鈥檛 show up to the family dinners anymore, who looks really like he鈥檚 having a tough time.鈥�
Lastly, Gratzer stressed that if someone is having suicidal thoughts they should seek professional help immediately because it鈥檚 a medical emergency and it should be treated as such.
Can you treat it on your own?
In cases where someone is feeling stressed, Gratzer said there are certain lifestyle changes that can lift their mood and help them feel better.
鈥淲hen you鈥檙e feeling very stressed out, less coffee, avoid alcohol and cannabis 鈥� yes, avoid cannabis 鈥� exercise, really does make a difference,鈥� he said.
However, the doctor said sometimes stress can 鈥渢ake on a life of its own鈥� and people should get help if they鈥檙e not feeling better after making those changes.
How do I get help?
For anyone who suspects they might be experiencing a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, Gratzer advised them to first speak with their family doctor or nurse practitioner.
鈥淭alk about how you鈥檝e been doing and why you鈥檝e been trying to empower yourself and it鈥檚 not working,鈥� he said.
If they don鈥檛 have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, Gratzer said they can visit walk-in clinics or even the emergency department if it鈥檚 an emergency.
There are also plenty of supplementary resources available online that can provide people with more information on mental illness and treatment options, he added.
In addition to online resources, Gratzer said there are many mood disorder associations across the country which can provide information and support to people who are experiencing mental health challenges.
How can I help others?
If you suspect someone is experiencing a mental illness, Gratzer suggested you do the obvious thing and talk to them.
鈥淭alk about what you see,鈥� he said. 鈥淎sk them how you can help. Sometimes that can save lives.鈥�
For anyone who might feel trepidation in bringing up the subject, Gratzer advised approaching it with 鈥渉onesty and good will.鈥�
鈥淭he most important part, I think, is to listen,鈥� he said. 鈥淗elp them access resources, yes, but just start by listening.鈥�
Gratzer said he hopes people will understand that there are treatment options available, such as therapy and medication, which can help.
鈥淭his is a very hopeful message,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or years we didn鈥檛 like to talk about mental illness, now we are, but let鈥檚 get our game up and help people as well.鈥�
