Communication is key to wellbeing

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This article was published 12/02/2018 (2955 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Adriana Brydon, Indigenous social worker at NorWest Co-op Community Health, said that while sometimes it is very apparent when someone is mentally unwell, there are also many times a mental illness can go unnoticed.

“It really depends on the person and how many ‘signs’ they show and if anyone can pick up on them,” she said.

It’s easier for close relatives or friends to assess changes in someone’s mental wellness because mental wellness is a very personal matter.

Unusual behavior such as emotional outbursts; feeling depressed or more “down” than normal; acting more quiet and withdrawn; substance abuse; or a change in appetite — either eating a lot more or not at all, can all be examples of a change in someone’s mental wellbeing.

Understanding and being involved is key to supporting someone with a mental health concern.

“Whether it’s helping the person take their prescribed medication and accompanying them to appointments, to just spending some time and providing emotional support — that can be all that is needed,” Brydon said.

Brydon said there are quite a few different ways people can work on mental wellness and what may work for one person may not work for everyone.

Here are a few things to consider when working to achieve your own mental wellness or helping someone achieve theirs:

• Keeping an active mind by playing games such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, board games and Sudoku can help keep your mind sharp;
• Keeping yourself healthy — in all aspects — physically, emotionally and spiritually will help align things for you mentally;
• Living a balanced lifestyle, which includes eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and having a good night’s rest;
• Seeking professional help when needed – a counsellor can help in providing you with coping strategies and assist you in problem solving constructively.

Brydon said that, since there are different types of mental illnesses, many resources are available in the city. For assistance in navigating through these services, please call the Canadian Mental Health Association at 204-982-6100 and they will assist you in the right direction.

“Remember that someone does not need to be in crisis to seek help,” Brydon said.

Nancy Heinrichs is the executive director of NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre. Email questions or comments to nheinrichs@norwestcoop.ca