Is Your Mental Health at Risk from Stress?

“Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Canadians. Of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide, 5 are mental disorders,” according to the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). They add that it “accounts for 30% of disability claims, which translates into $15-33 billion annually in Canada.” No small feat!

Mental health is a critical part of our overall health. It involves our thoughts, feelings, and actions, which in turn affects how we handle life’s challenges. It impacts our ability to deal with demands, which includes areas such as decision making and how we adapt to difficult situations, including how we cope with stress.

When we feel bogged down by pressures, we don’t feel as motivated or energized as we might normally. It can be hard to get excited about life or things you normally enjoy, and you may feel like you’re just functioning – barely skimming by.

Epidemiological studies have found that stress is related to adverse psychological states, such as depression and anxiety. These states can have a significant impact on other areas of our lives, such as socially, including difficulty relating to others, which can affect both our personal and professional lives.

Ways to cope with stress, in support of your mental health:

Remember the basics. Maintaining a balance in diet, exercise, sleep, leisure, down time, and social support (including utilizing community resources for help, fitness, or fun). Maintain these buffers for stress and realign what’s out of balance or dragging you down.

Be assertive. Figure out your needs, concerns, and frustrations – things that matter to you – and deal with them constructively as they arise. Define your problem, communicate your feelings (without blame) to the appropriate venues, and create an action plan clearly defining what your solution will be.

You’re in the driver’s seat of your life, and nobody can make the necessary changes but you. Creating a balance between the demands in your life, dealing directly with your problems and defining solutions reduces stress. This will help you feel more in control of your life and supports good mental health.