PTSD in the Workplace: Solutions and Support

PTSD in the Workplace: Solutions and Support


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often linked to combat occupations and first responders. So you wouldn’t think of your everyday co-workers as prime candidates to encounter PTSD related symptoms.In most instances, our co-workers have always lived an ocean away, and then some, from an armed conflict. As day to day employees, we may never witness a crime scene or a deadly car crash.

So what could or does happen?

Although research has mainly focused on combat, rape and other types of assaultive violence as causes of PTSD, the sudden, unexpected death of someone you care about is often a leading cause of PTSD within the community, accounting for nearly one third of all PTSD cases.(1) So yes, there is more to each of us as employees than meets the eye. Maybe someone has lost their
mother, their best friend, or their partner / spouse. Or maybe it’s something else they have lost, such as a work and/or occupation related event. Trauma can manifest and surface in very different ways. The mind can become a conflict zone. How can one escape? In this article, we’ll be looking at:

  • What is PTSD and what are its symptoms and signs?
  • What are the occupational effects of PTSD?
  • What solutions and supports have proven most effective?

To help shed some light on those issues, we’ve asked the expert advice of Dr. Sandra Primiano, a psychologist who serves as Homewood Health’s Senior Director for the Homewood Clinics.

Redefining trauma

In terms of high-risk occupations, we immediately think of the military and first responders such as police, firefighters and paramedics. But, even if less frequent, many public facing positions are vulnerable to potential trauma. Assaults are not uncommon for occupations such as retail or bank clerks and taxi drivers, for example, PTSD occurs in response to the direct experience of extremely traumatic/stressful events or being witness to people involved in them. The very concept of traumahas expanded drastically since being first introduced in the DSM-III in 1980. To meet the criteria, people no longer need to be survivors of life- threatening events or even be present on the scene. The clerk who hears about a colleague being held at gunpoint on the night shift can qualify as a trauma survivor just as much as the victim whose life was at risk.(2) Vastly more people qualify for the PTSD diagnosis than in the past.(3)

For example, 60% of participants in a study on causes of PTSD in the Detroit community experienced the sudden death of someone they cared about. More than 14% of the participants developed PTSD. The conditional risk of PTSD following exposure to trauma, independently from the source, was 9.2%. In comparison, the highest risk of PTSD prevalence resulted from a person being physically assaulted (20.9%).(1)

PTSD is to mental illness what concussion is to physical health

The vast majority of people subjected to trauma will not develop PTSD. Depending on sources, it can be said that between three and five percent of the population is affected by PTSD, and approximately nine percent of people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are significantly more at risk of developing the disorder than men, by a two-to-one ratio.(4)

“What makes people more vulnerable than others? We know that one factor is having a childhood with a history of adversive experiences, like abuse (psychological, physical or neglect)”, says Dr. Primiano, whose area of expertise is trauma and stress-related disorders and anxiety disorders. “When you exercise, you feel pain at first but your body gets stronger, with PTSD it’s the reverse. The more trauma you experience, the more vulnerable you become. The more you’ve experienced, the more susceptible you are to experience even more, as you’ve been primed to experience the world in certain ways, and then it accumulates. When you experience early trauma, you become more vulnerable towards developing trauma,stress and anxiety related disorders as you are pre-conditioned to similar triggers or traumatic events.”

PTSD is a mental illness that needs the fulfillment of certain criteria for a minimum duration of one month before being diagnosed. It is not associated only with feelings of sadness, anxiety or shock after the traumatic events.

The list of symptoms fall under four categories:

  • Intrusive memories: Can include recurring, unwanted, distressing memories of traumatic events. “The person is reliving the trauma event like it’s happening right now through flashbacks or nightmares. There can also be emotional or physical distress reactions when something triggers the recollection of the events.”
  • Avoidance: One tries not to think about the events by avoiding certain places, persons or activities that bring the traumatic event to mind. “Some will also forget really important parts of the events.”
  • Hyperarousal: It involves being on guard, feeling angry, irritable, aggressive and impulsive. “It can lead to self- destructive behaviours, trouble to concentrate or being easily startled.”
  • Negative thoughts and moods: Self-blame, fear, guilt and distorted negative feelings about oneself, others and the world. “People will also tell you they don’t feel anything anymore or that they’re hopeless about the future. Some can socially withdraw and lose interest. It becomes hard to connect with people.”

The disorder can develop immediately after experiencing or witnessing the event, or surge months, and in some cases even years, after the event.

Occupational effects of PTSD

When PTSD develops, it can become very difficult for employees to engage in work. “Getting to or being at the workplace for the employee could be a trigger, says Dr. Primiano. It becomes too disturbing, stressing. Employees may call in sick often, or just not show up and no one knows why.” In situations where an employee manages to make it into work, she says, co-workers maybe witness to occupational effects, such as:

  • Having trouble concentrating or remembering things they’re supposed to be doing because they’re anxious and hyper-aroused.
  • Taking more time to complete tasks than before. Managing time and scheduling can be an issue.
  • Looking very tired. PTSD often comes with certain sleep-related issues, such as insomnia, because of nightmares and hyper vigilance.
  • Coming to work under the influence, as nearly half of individuals with PTSD use substance abuse as a coping mechanism and more than one-in-five also meet criteria for substance addiction.(5)
  • Having angry outbursts because they’re on edge and are easily startled, which can cause the amicable co-worker you knew to easily get into arguments.
  • Having increased difficulty coping with stress.

When the red flag behaviours listed above manage to somehow stay under the radar, they most often come with a decrease in performance that, in many cases, will be noticed.

Solutions and support

What kind of help?

Talking about how you’re feeling simply might not be enough. Depending upon the severity of the disorder, Dr. Primiano advises to seek evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD, essentially meaning any therapy that uses cognitive, emotional, or behavioral techniques to facilitate processing a traumatic experience and in which the trauma focus is a central component of the therapy.(6)

“The reality is, some employees get better on their own with the passage of time, while other employees will not. It can be very difficult to return to your previous level of functioning, more so than with depressive episodes or having panic disorder, because PTSD really does change the perception of one’s self, of the world, and of others including your co-workers.”

Dr. Primiano, adds that the prognosis is more complex for employees who have experienced many traumatic events and/or have suffered from PTSD for a long time. “It changes things about who you are, the way you think and interpret things. It’s really hard to change that.”

But trauma-focused (TF) psychotherapies do work. TF therapies are almost three times as effective as medication in treating the severity of PTSD.(7) For every 100 individuals with PTSD, only nine percent will no longer have the disorder after three months without treatment but this figure rises to anywhere from 42% to 53% with TF treatment depending on the approach.(8)

She concludes by saying that, with proper care, one can really hope to return to a good level of functioning. Sometimes talking to a professional can help you regain a healthy perspective regarding your ability to cope with the aftermath of the traumatic event you have experienced.

References:

  1. Bresleau N, Kessler RC et al Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in the community:The Detroit Area Survey of Trauma. Arch.Gen.Psychiatry.1998;55(7);626-32. Link to abstract https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9672053#
  2. (McNally, 2009; McNally & Breslau, 2008).
  3. (Breslau & Kessler, 2001).
  4. American Psychiatric Association’s website. Link: https://www.psychiatry.org/ patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
  5. Pietrzak RH, Goldstein RB, Southwick SM, Grant BF. Prevalence and Axis I comorbidity of full and partial posttraumatic stress disorder in the United States: Results from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 2011;25:456–465. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.11.010.
  6. Jessica Hamblen. The 2017 Revised Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD: Recommendations for Psychotherapy. National Center of PTSD, U.S.Department for Veterans Affairs.
  7. Watts BV, Schnurr PP et al (2013). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(6), e551-e557. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.4088/JCP.12r08225
  8. Harik JM, Hamblen JL, Grubbs K. G. & Schnurr PP. Will it work for me? A meta-analysis of loss of PTSD diagnosis after evidence-based treatment.


Reducing Mental Health Stigma

Reducing Mental Health Stigma


Irrespective of age, culture or income, at least one in five will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime. Given the prevalence of mental health disorders, this article we address common myths and the realities associated with mental health. There is no need to suffer alone and in silence. It’s time to start talking.

According to the World Health Organization, health is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Yet so many people define good health as being physically well. Our mental health is equally important and often does not receive the attention it should.

Aside from the economic cost, mental health disorders prevent millions of North Americans from reaching their full potential and living life to its fullest.

One in five Canadians meets the criteria for having a mental health disorder in their lifetime, 24.1 percent of women and 17 percent of men —this affects nearly every one of us, whether at work, at home or personally.(2)

Government of Canada

One in five Canadians meets the criteria for having a mental health disorder in their lifetime, 24.1 percent of women and 17 percent of men —this affects nearly every one of us, whether at work, at home or personally.

What are mental health disorders?

Our psychological health has a profound effect on how we communicate, feel, perceive, and understand the world around us. When we are mentally unwell, we experience alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour which causes distress and impairs how we function both day to day and throughout our lives.

There are many types of mental health disorders, the most common include:

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent of all mental health disorders. While some stress or anxiousness is normal, anxiety disorders are characterized by more severe and long-lasting anxiety, which can interfere with one’s ability to function at work, at home and in their relationships. Panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and general anxiety disorder fall under this category.

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia involve a distorted image of one’s body along with extreme behaviours to manage food intake and weight. The opposing behaviour, binge eating disorder, is associated with the consumption of large amounts of food in a short amount of time on a regular basis.

Mood disorders involve changes and disruptions in mood and emotions. Feeling extremely sad or extremely happy from time to time is part of being human. People with a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder experience these feelings with greater intensity over longer durations of time.

Personality disorders affect the way we act, feel and co-exist with others. They can also cause people to be more impulsive. Borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder are two examples.

Common myths and stigmas

Mental health disorders remain shrouded in stigmas and misconceptions that have evolved into fabrications and falsehoods of those struggling with these conditions. Recently, more people are beginning to share their experiences and challenges with conditions such as anxiety or depression. However, other conditions like psychosis and schizophrenia are still characterized by fiction and myth.

In order to dispel the myths, understanding is critical. A mental health disorder can be defined as a psychological pattern, potentially reflected in behaviour, that is generally associated with distress or disability, and which is not considered part of normal development.

People with mental health disorders are often hesitant to tell their family, friends or employer of their struggles for fear of being labelled or having to face prejudices. Others are told to “snap out of it” or “toughen up”. It’s important to know that mental health disorders can be treated, often with excellent results.

Below are six common myths, accompanied by the truths that dispel them:

Myth 1: Mental health disorder is a single, rare disorder. There are multiple types of mental health disorders with different complexities and underlying causes. Similarly, each mental health disorder relates to the impediment of brain chemistry and function. Each of these illnesses has its own specific cause and approach to treatment.

Myth 2: People with mental health disorders never get better. Treatment for mental health disorders are more numerous and more sophisticated than ever before. With the evolution of understanding and with advancements in care, many people do fully recover, while others acquire the skills needed to keep their symptoms managed and under control. Today’s pharmaceutical treatments are more concise, targeting specific areas of the brain where treatment is most beneficial. A full recovery is often attainable, and may require more than pharmaceuticals; recovery may include social and physical activities to get people back to their lives.

Myth 3: Psychiatric disorders are not true illnesses. Unlike a broken leg or heart attack (which are easily detected by simple tests), mental health disorders have traditionally been an invisible disease. This inability to see what’s wrong creates the perception or illusion that no illness exists. Mental health disorders are bona fide medical conditions involving complex physiological processes, as well as changes or imbalances in brain chemistry.

Myth 4: Children don’t get mental health disorders. “Emotional problems are just part of growing up.” Parents naturally want their children to do well, so some may brush off or explain behavioural problems or other childhood difficulties as being mere growing pains. However, numerous psychiatric conditions, including depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders can occur in childhood. Roughly one in every 33 kids and one in every eight teens suffer from depression.(3)

Myth 5: People with a mental health disorder lack intelligence. Intelligence has nothing to do with mental health disorders.

Myth 6: People with a mental health disorder shouldn’t have jobs. People with a mental health disorder are unlikely to miss any more workdays than those individuals with chronic physical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Employees are often unaware of those suffering from a disorder. A stress-ridden workplace may be a breeding ground for the development of stress-related mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression disorders, threatening work-life balance.

Reducing the stigma of mental health

Three out of 10 Canadian employees report that their work environments are not psychologically safe or healthy.(2)

No matter what role or industry, mental health affects us all. It can be a difficult and daunting task for someone to address their needs when they feel they may be judged by their co-workers or managers. As a collective society, we must realize that mental illness isn’t a form of weakness, but a natural reality of what people face. We are complex individuals who react to daily challenges differently. Being open minded, considerate, and compassionate are ways to support those who are facing mental health challenges at your workplace.

10 ways to reduce mental health stigma:

  1. Know the facts. Educate yourself about mental health. Learn the facts instead of the myths. Reading this piece is a great place to start!
  2. Be aware of your attitude and behaviour. We’ve all been subject to prejudicial thought and judgemental thinking, but we control the way we think. See people as individual beings, not as labels or stereotypes. See the person beyond the mental disorder; they have other personal attributes that don’t disappear because they have a mental health disorder.
  3. Listening. It takes courage for someone to open up about their challenges. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is listen.
  4. Asking what you can do. Don’t guess or assume, ask the person what you can do to help. Letting them tell you how you can help, can guide your actions and ability to support their needs.
  5. Choose your words carefully. The way we speak can affect the way others think. Don’t use hurtful or derogatory language. Be open to the challenges as judgement can be what someone fears the most.
  6. Educate others. Find opportunities to pass on facts and positive attitudes. If your friends, family, co-workers or even media present information that is not true, challenge their myths and stereotypes. Let them know their negative words and incorrect descriptions affect people by keeping misconceptions alive.
  7. Focus on the positive. Health problems can be a component of who a person is and the value that they are perceived to offer. We’ve all heard the negative stories. Let’s recognize and applaud the positive ones.
  8. Support people. Treat people with dignity and respect. Think about how you’d like others to act towards you if you were in the same situation. If you have family members, friends or co-workers with a mental health disorder, support their choices and encourage their efforts to get well.
  9. Include everyone. In Canada, it is against the law to discriminate against people with mental health disorders. Denying access to jobs, housing and health care are a violation of fundamental human rights.(4)(5)
  10. Taking care of yourself. Supporting anyone with a physical or mental health disorder can be a physically and emotionally draining scenario. Protect your own physical and emotional health.

People with mental health disorders have the right to take an equal part in society. Let’s each do our part to make sure that happens.

 

 

  1. MHCC. “Case Study Research Project: Early Finding Interim Report.” Mental Health Commission of Canada. Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2015. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
  2. Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. “Chapter 1 Mental Illnesses in Canada : An Overview – A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada – Public Health Agency of Canada.” Chapter 1 Mental Illnesses in Canada : An Overview – A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada – Public Health Agency of Canada. N.p., 05 Jan. 2012. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
  3. Health, Partners For Mental. “Right By You.” Right By You. Partners for Mental Health, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
  4. Santillan, Carolyn. “Beyond Emotion: Depression Created Disconnect for Canadians At Home, With Friends and in the Workplace.” Fasken Martineau. Fasken Martineau, July 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.
  5. “Seven Important things we can do to reduce Stigma and Discrimination.” Shatter the Stigma Mend The Mind. N.p., 2017. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

 


Women's Mental Health

Women's Mental Health


A more in-depth look at women’s mental health, to discover their unique health-care needs and find out how we can better support women who are struggling with mental health challenges.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as, “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.” (1)

While a lot has been done in the past decade to help bring more awareness of what it can mean to live with or support someone who is struggling with mental illness, for those dealing with mental health disorders, stigma still exists and the reality is that many people still don’t know how to react, respond and offer help.

Both men and women experience many of the same mental health disorders, however their willingness to talk about their challenges and feelings are often very different. This month, we take a more in-depth look at women’s mental health, to discover their unique health-care needs and find out how we can better support women who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Some enlightening facts about women’s mental health:

  • 47% of women were considered at high risk of developing mental health disorders, compared to 36% of men. (2)
  • 25.7% of young women have self-harmed – more than twice the rate of young men. (3)
  • Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.
  • Women who have experience childhood trauma such as sexual abuse and physical violence are 3 to 4 times more likely to encounter depression as adults. (4)
  • Women tend to experience more concurrent mental health disorders. Depression might be accompanied by anxiety, agoraphobia (feeling unsafe), panic disorders, somatoform disorders (symptoms of physical illness or pain that cannot be fully diagnosed), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (1)
  • Women have significantly higher rates of developing PTSD following exposure to traumatic events – at least double that of men.
  • An alarming 80% of individuals with eating disorders are women, which has the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness. (6)

Though many mental illnesses seem to be gender neutral, women often have different signs and symptoms, requiring different treatments and services. For example, there are gender differences in age of onset and symptoms of schizophrenia. Women often develop this condition later in life and have more hallucinations and psychotic symptoms than men. With bipolar disorder, women tend to develop more rapid cycling forms and experience more anxiety, depression and medical illnesses than men. They also have a higher chance of being hospitalized during the manic phase.

Social stereotypes don’t help to reduce stigma.

Many may find this surprising, recent surveys show that

42% of Canadians were unsure whether they would socialize with a friend who has a mental illness and only 50% of Canadians would tell friends or co-workers that they have a family member with a mental illness, compared to 72% who would discuss a diagnosis of cancer.(1)

Many gender-based stereotypes also exist, creating societal beliefs that women are more prone to being emotional and therefore having emotional problems. Often, women’s biology and reproduction factor into these negative stereotypes, but these physiological distinctions are valid contributors that do affect women’s mental health.

Society has conditioned the way we see femininity. Many gender acquired risks arise from women’s greater exposure to discrimination and disadvantages, such as traditionally earning less than men in paid work and bearing the responsibility of being wives, mothers and caregivers of others. Traditional gender roles can also increase women’s vulnerability to mental health issues by imposing obedience and dependence. On top of a duty to take on the constant care of others, women are typically expected to take care of all the unpaid work of maintaining a household as well.

Women are often busy helping everyone else

We know that traditionally, women take on a higher proportion of caregiving of both children and elderly family members than men, but when it starts to become overwhelming is when women try to balance their roles in the workplace with what’s going on at home. Despite seeing an increase in women in more executive roles, studies show that 80% of caregivers are still women. The burden of all of these responsibilities greatly increases their rates of stress – which not only affects mental health, but physical health as well. A WHO report pointed out that, “the inequity of the division of labour was the most important predictor of depressive symptoms rather than the absolute number of hours worked.” (4)

There are also other fairly distinct factors which increase a woman’s risk of developing mental health challenges. For instance, women suffering from emotional distress, exhaustion and parenting difficulties associated with newborns, or those who have experienced infant loss, can develop serious postnatal depression. They may feel isolated and unable to cope with the stress of added responsibilities due to the biological and physiological changes their bodies are undergoing post-pregnancy. Women’s risk of experiencing mental health challenges also increases when economic, political and social forces intervene to disrupt their income, employment and living conditions. These all create disadvantages that can reduce access to mental health care. What’s interesting is that when these factors are taken into account and addressed, they can offset biological and reproductive influences affecting women’s mental health, and many risk factors then disappear.(4)

How can we better support women and their mental health?

While women are more likely to speak with their primary care physicians about mental health challenges, women also fear seeking treatment because of the social stigma and their obligations as parent and caregiver. If a woman does not look for help when a disorder first develops, it could mean that they delay seeking support and/or treatment for considerable time.

Historically, treatment has largely ignored gender distinctions, even though there are unique challenges for women with mental health disorders tied to biology. Women often have different responses to medications than men, and female life-cycle events can affect the instance and the way that mental health challenges present. A report titled, Women, Mental Health and Mental Illness and Addiction in Canada: An Overview, concludes that “women’s and men’s health and health needs are distinct both because of differences in their bodies and because of differences in how women and men live, work, and play, as well as how they were raised as children.” (5)

Once we open our minds to the fact that women and men do have distinct needs, we can collectively begin to work on changing beliefs and addressing risk factors that are directly related to “economic, social and gender disadvantages and biases.”(4) These inequalities affect mental and emotional well-being and addressing them will help with social change.

Courageously speak out against stereotypes

Having an awareness of stereotypes that are reinforcing stigma and preventing someone from getting help or talking about their mental health challenges can make a significant difference. Don’t be afraid to challenge misconceptions like emotional problems being associated with women. Introducing new information can be the first step to changing someone’s beliefs.

Support new ways to deliver help

Women need to be able to access services that allow them to feel more in control of their minds and bodies. They might need to be delivered in different, easy-to-access locations, or at alternate times than traditional care and treatment options. As a consideration, postpartum treatment could be given as part of general maternity services, where women being treated could bring their babies along. Today, most are admitted to psychiatric units in hospitals, alone. Pay attention to new partnerships and resources that make services available to women in familiar and trusted settings.

Get involved to support those who may be particularly vulnerable

There are some groups of women who are more vulnerable to developing mental health problems because their challenges are often overwhelming. Immigrant women, for instance, are “simultaneously experiencing an unfamiliar environment, facing new societal norms, and lacking their former social networks.” Women who are facing violence, aggression or abuse at home need extra support because these experiences tend to get worse and intensify in severity over time.

Talking is often the first step to encourage getting help

Having the courage to discuss things openly and help address fears and other feelings that a woman may be experiencing is essential. Encourage self-realisation, and share opportunities while providing her a positive role in connecting. There’s no doubt talking about mental health challenges can require sensitivity. Provide mental health resources while showing concern and respect at all times and help her to realize that even though she may feel trapped, she isn’t, and getting help is worth it.

By working together to understand the influences women encounter when it comes to mental health challenges, we can help to encourage broader access, break down stigma and help women develop the mental health strength and resiliency they need in order to diminish the challenges they face.


References

1. World Health Organization (2014). Mental Health: a state of well-being. Health Topics. Retrieved on January 25, 2019 from
https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_ health/en/

2. Chal, C. (2017) As cited in These 3 groups are at ‘high risk’ of mental health issues in Canada. Here’s why. Global News. Retrieved on January 25, 2019 from
https://globalnews.ca/news/3415871/these-3-groups-…

3. Agenda Alliance for Women & Girls at Risk (n.d.). Women’s Mental Health Facts, Retrieved on January 25, 2019 from
https://weareagenda.org/womens-mental-health-key-f…

4. World Health Organization (n.d). Gender Disparities in Mental Health. Retrieved on January 25, 2019 from
https://www.who.int/mental_health/media/en/242.pdf…

5. The Royal, Areas of Care, Women’s Mental Health (n.d.) Retrieved on January 25,2019 from
http://www.theroyal.ca/mental-health-centre/mental…areas-of-care/womens-mental-health/

6. Eating disorders are women.
https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/camh-….


Men's Mental Health

Men's Mental Health


Men and women experience many of the same mental health disorders, but their willingness to talk about their challenges and feelings are very different. The perceived standards of masculinity and stigmas surrounding men seeking support for mental health disorders continue to present challenges.

In scenarios where a lack of conversation surrounding mental health related challenges exist, the absence of communication may lead to a worsening of underlying conditions and to a more acute state of the presenting disorder.

Here are some facts about Canadian men and their mental health:

  • Around 10% of Canadian men experience significant mental health challenges in their life (1)
  • Approximately one million Canadian men suffer from major depression each year (2)
  • On average, approximately 4,000 Canadians take their own life each year, of those suicides; 75% are men (3)
  • Canadian indigenous men have a suicide rate that is double that of the Canadian national average, with
  • Inuit men being 11 times the national average (4)
  • Gay men have a higher rate of depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, and substance abuse in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts (5)
  • In order of highest to lowest, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have the highest suicide rates among men in Canada (6)

So why is this happening? Why are so few men seeking treatment for mental health challenges?

The current climate of men’s mental health

The current climate for men’s mental health has come to a critical point in history, where national strategies need to be made to address the increasing number of men who are experiencing mental health-related challenges.

As a society, stigmas associated with mental health are prevalent and common. Men face the added stigma that seeking help for mental health is a sign of weakness, that ‘real men’ don’t ask for help, and that talking about topics like anxiety and depression won’t help. Men often experience further bias within male counterparts with the perceived belief that mental health challenges make men a burden to others, and men should be able to control and manage their own feelings. Whatever the stigmas, we need to stop shaming men into thinking they are inadequate if they express a need to address mental health challenges or concerns. Without support and empathy, men will continue to suffer in silence and experience worsening or more acute challenges with mental health disorders.

Men aren’t unique to the stigmas associated with mental health; they may be less likely to discuss or address their concerns due to specific conditioning. As a society, we can work together to address stigmas about mental health, and encourage more people to discuss their challenges openly.

Addressing men’s mental health challenges

If we look at our individual ability to support and facilitate change, there is a lot that we can do to influence how we think about men’s mental health. Becoming an ally for those in need of, or seeking mental health support provides a safe, unbiased and supportive network for those in need.

One of the significant challenges with helping men address their mental health is encouraging and allowing them to speak openly and confidently about it. Men are typically conditioned throughout their life to not speak or act emotionally. As a supportive resource for men, it is always helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms that a male in your life may be experiencing mental health-related concerns. Although day to day changes in behaviour are common and not cause for immediate concern, if behavioural changes continue for an extended period, typically two to four weeks it may be an indication of a mental health disorder. Here are a few visible indicators that someone may be experiencing challenges with their mental health:

  1. Their personality has changed from the norm, such as experiencing mood swings of experiencing mood swings, excessive anger, hostility, or violent behaviour, and having the inability to cope with minor problems and daily activities
  2. They are experiencing excessive anxieties or prolonged depressive states, losing interest in hobbies or social activities they were usually interested or participated in
  3. There has been an increased use of alcohol and/or drugs, which is beginning to affect their work and personal life
  4. There is a noticeable difference in their ability to think clearly and articulate their thoughts in a cohesive manner
  5. Their sleep and eating patterns (i.e. over or under eating) have noticeably changed, resulting in the individual seeming tired and irritable
  6. They may be experiencing strange or grandiose ideas, delusions, or hallucinations, which may include thinking or talking about suicide

It’s common for these indicators to be signs of physical illness as well. It’s important not to diagnosis, and seeking support from a physician, qualified medical professional, or counsellor may be a positive first step in finding help. So what can be done if you notice some of the above signs and symptoms?

How to support men’s mental health

With a greater understanding of the challenges men face when it comes to mental health, and given the various signs and symptoms that your male counterparts may exhibit, what are the actions that you and/or your organization should be doing to support men’s mental health?

  1. Become better informed. Understanding what men may be facing when it comes to mental health is the first step in supporting them. Reaching out to local men’s health organizations is a great way to further your learning.
  2. Ask what you can do. Mental health-related challenges can be difficult for anyone to talk about, so simply asking the question can be a significant step in providing the right support to this individual.
  3. Be there to listen. It takes a lot of courage for someone to open up about their mental health. Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to help someone, as it allows the individual to process and share their challenges.
  4. Don’t blame or judge. Judgement or blame can increase the challenges someone is already facing and may decrease their willingness to share or seek support. The best support you can give is being empathic and compassionate.
  5. Guide the person to appropriate supports. You can either direct them to their Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), local support groups, a counsellor or a therapist. Although you cannot determine severity, ensuring the individual is safe and aware of options including out-patient and in-patient treatment facilities for those in need are key elements in taking the first steps towards getting help. But always ask first.
  6. Be optimistic and encouraging. Reassure the person that this is a medical issue and that they are not alone in what they are experiencing. Where possible, provide the time, access to treatment and support needed.
  7. Take care of yourself. You cannot support anyone with mental health challenges if you are emotionally drained. Protect your physical and emotional health above all.

Men aren’t unique to the stigmas associated with mental health; they may be less likely to discuss or address their concerns due to specific conditioning. As a society, we can work together to address stigmas about mental health, and encourage more people to discuss their challenges openly. The more we become comfortable talking about these challenges, the healthier our society will be. Support the men in your life by being an advocate for reducing stigmas around mental health, and being a voice for them when they need you the most.


References

  1. CMHA. (n.d.). Men and Mental Illness. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from https://cmha.ca/documents/men-and-mental-illness
  2. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. (2016, December 01). We Should Be Talking About Men’s Mental Health. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from http://health.sunnybrook.ca/men/mental-health-depr…
  3. Health at a Glance. (2017, June 16). Retrieved August 21, 2018, from https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2012001/art…
  4. Crawford, A. (n.d.). Suicide among Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/s…
  5. CMHA. (n.d.). Policy Papers on Equity. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from http://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/lesbian-gay-bisex…
  6. D. K. Macdonald (2016, September 12). Canadian Suicide Statistics 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2018, from http://dustinkmacdonald.com/canadian-suicide-stati…


Re-introducing Homewood Ravensview

Re-Introducing Homewood Ravensview

We are pleased to announce the opening of  Homewood Ravensview on May 22, 2019. Ravensview will bring Western Canada its newest, private inpatient treatment facility for adults, including young adults (19+) who need immediate support for mental health and addictive behaviours (including substance use disorders and/or ‘behavioural addictions,’ like gambling addiction, gaming addiction, and sex addiction, etc.). In fact, it’s the first and only private inpatient mental health facility in Western Canada. The site on Vancouver Island, the specialized programming, and the unparalleled expertise of Ravensview’s caring staff creates an innovative therapy and healing experience for those seeking help.

Homewood Ravensview sits within the territory of the WSÁNEĆ people, atop a mountain known as ȽÁU,WELNEW or ‘place of refuge’. It’s wrapped in the beauty and serenity of the forest, with vistas that look out to the ocean. It’s a sacred place. Saanich elders tell the story of their ancestors, who sought refuge on top of the mountain, during a great flood. They tied their canoes to a tree at the mountaintop, to escape the flood. After being stranded for many days, they saw a raven that carried a twig. The people recognized this as a symbol of hope:  it showed that the flood had ended. Emerging from their sanctuary, the people gave thanks to the mountain for helping them survive and providing them with a new beginning. Ravensview honours this WSÁNEĆ history, and it forms the inspiration for everything we are doing at the facility to help people in need.

With Ravensview, Homewood has taken its 135 years of clinical experience with proven therapy programs and innovative treatment practices along with therapeutically designed physical spaces and integrated structures to create a unique treatment experience. Clients in recovery live at Ravensview as part of the healing community for periods of six to eight weeks. With all of our programs, family members and significant others are included as part of the treatment process to help bridge understanding and ensure recovery supports are in place during and after a stay.  We provide family education workshops as well, and communicate with the client’s family (if the client wishes) to support a complete and lasting recovery.

The treatment programs at Ravensview have been developed in a novel format. Each client is assigned into a specific group based on demographic and lifestyle factors. There are four core streams of programming within Ravensview.

  • The Cornerstone Program helps adults over the age of 26 with a wide range of mental health and addiction disorders. Treatment is customized for each person’s unique needs, and the specific problems they want to address. The program is built on proven care philosophies, and evidence-based psychotherapy models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Recovery focusses on both physical and emotional health – a wholistic approach to each client.
  • The Guardians Program focusses specifically on the needs of first responders, people serving in the military, and veterans of these groups. It recognizes that the experiences these individuals have had in their roles, and the exposure to traumatic situations they have often faced, creates unique challenges that require specifically designed, evidence-based treatment to facilitate the recovery process.
  • The My Path Program for young adults (aged 19-26) sets a course to help each client understand how their issues are affecting their lives, how they are not alone in their experiences. The program uses evidence-based practices to help each client develop the skills and tools they need to continue to maintain psychological health, as they move through adulthood. Treatment for anxiety and mental health disorders is complemented with work that helps with issues of identity, life direction, and healthy social relationships.
  • The Vanguard Program is designed for professionally-accomplished people who are facing specific challenges. Executives, professionals and entrepreneurs from both the private and public sector have many social and personal expectations and pressures that are unique and specific (including professional stress, burnout, and juggling the responsibilities of professional decision-making), which affect their ability to function over time. The program helps them address their challenges and issues that may be affecting their performance.

A day at Ravensview

At Ravensview, each client is recognized as an individual person, who has specific life goals and goals for treatment.  Each client’s therapy program is customized for their specific treatment needs, with individual and group therapy sessions in the morning and afternoon. Care teams are always close at hand. Clients also participate in innovative programs including: expressive art therapy, music therapy, and horticultural therapy – which support their personal, social, emotional and physical well-being. The facilities are modern, spacious and relaxing. There are delicious meals to enjoy, and time for socializing with others, as part of the community. There are also many opportunities to explore and become immersed in the healing offered through the facility’s natural surroundings, through access to the extensive trails on Ravensview’s grounds, and the opportunity to participate in innovative recreational therapy offerings. Numerous studies have shown that the sensory experience of “taking in the forest…even a small amount time…can have an impact on our health” (Dr. Quin Li, 2018, TIME).

Why does a stay at Ravensview work so well?

Changes and recovery take dedicated time, focus and commitment. The intensive experience is a chance to step outside of the day-to-day obligations and live differently. Programs leverage proven techniques and provide clients the tools they will use throughout their recovery process. We also involve family members and significant others so they can understand how to best continue to support what’s been developed here after someone returns home.

How does someone come to Ravensview for treatment?

We are a new private treatment facility, we don’t currently have a waitlist. A doctor’s referral isn’t needed to attend a program. If you think that a stay with us could help, contact us to learn more.


360 Degrees of Mental Health

360 Degrees of Mental Health


A broad view of its impact and laying a foundation for better mental health hygiene.

Yet there remains a commonality: mental health impacts how you feel and function in some of the most significant areas of your life.

Impact on home and family

Precisely where and who one considers “home” and “family” varies widely. At the heart of both is a comforting place to land, decompress and bond with those dearest to you – all aspects that can boost your mental health but just as easily suffer when anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders come into play. At home, common responsibilities and chores like doing the dishes or laundry, caring for children, checking the mail, balancing a chequebook or preparing meals may become overwhelming or difficult to complete when facing a mental health disorder. This can create unwanted dysfunction such as, incomplete tasks, resentments, broken relationships or induce feelings such as inadequacy, sadness or hopelessness.

Approximately 11 million Canadians aged 15 and older report having a family member with a mental health disorder. Over one-third of them feel their time, energy, emotions, finances or daily activities have been affected by their family member(s)disorder.(2)

Similarly, interactions with family – perhaps already fraught with sensitivities or delicate history – while dealing with mental health concerns may cause anxiety, anger, despondency or extreme discomfort in both the person dealing with the illness itself, and spouses, partners, children or other family members whose lives are also

being impacted by their loved one’s challenges. The possible friction, arguments, or concerns that may ensue can further irritate, alienate and isolate all parties involved. Sometimes breaking a family unit irrevocably or negatively impacting the emotional development of children -precisely when everyone needs the most support.

Impact on friends and relationships

Meaningful connections with friends, significant others and acquaintances can be invaluable to positive mental health; nurturing self-esteem and individuality, encouraging new, positive experiences – even the mental and physical benefits of sharing a good laugh together are well documented. Mental health disorders can interfere with creating these precious connections or damage the ones you already have.

Many of the most common mood and personality disorders manifest themselves in behaviours and symptoms that can be unpredictable, create misunderstandings and changes in personality or hinder relationship building. Strong feelings such as worry, lack of control, sadness, shame or fear can make it difficult to relax, develop social bonds, engage in conversation, or step into new environments. These same feelings can make the prospect of interacting with others, even close friends, loved ones or members of the community, seem almost impossible. In turn, one may isolate themselves by opting out of gatherings, phone calls, hobbies, spiritual services or everyday social situations. Mental health disorders and symptoms can also make it more difficult for others to gauge interactions and nurture connections with a person affected by mental health, playing further into insecurities and a lack of self-worth which may tell them, “no one will care if I‘m there” or “I’m not really wanted.”

Impact on work and school

As technology and personal interconnectedness have evolved, so too have the pace and nature of both school and work life. Days don’t stop when one leaves the building or classroom, rather the tasks, conversations and interpersonal politics continue via emails, text messages and cell phone calls made well beyond traditional business hours.

While this makes staying in touch easier, being constantly “plugged in” also constantly exposes employees and students to reminders and expectations that may be stressful (i.e.: reports, assignments, high-stakes social scenarios). Indeed, a lack of work-life balance costs Canadian businesses a combined 20 billion dollars a year in health claims, lost productivity and absenteeism.(3) In today’s fast-paced, results-driven arenas mental health disorders can easily be exacerbated while also impacting school and/or work performance.

Symptoms and struggles common in mental health disorders can impede one’s ability to effectively manage time, concentrate, absorb information or cope with the pressures and deadlines inherent to learning and working. The majority of mental health symptoms appear and are diagnosed between the ages of twelve to twenty-five(4), leaving students particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges, seriously impacting the outcome of their academic careers, and by extension, possibly the quality of jobs and post-academic opportunities available to them.

As with friends, family and other relationships, mental health disorders can also make interactions with peers, bosses, colleagues or teachers a source of stress or triggers. In these instances, feelings of disconnection, loneliness, inadequacy or embarrassment may result. This is doubly unfortunate as these people may be in the best positions to offer – or provide guidance toward – very effective tools, strategies and services available to help.

Basic mental health hygiene: a strong foundation for positive impact

With the effects of mental health stretching into so many key areas of our lives, common sense and science fully endorse the importance of making positive mental health a priority. Good news: consistently employing a handful of proven strategies in mental health hygiene can make a huge difference, and provide a sturdy, reliable platform on which to further build resiliency and more customized coping strategies. Each of these coping methods can lessen the negative impacts and symptoms of mental health disorders on relationships, home and family life, work and school, while simultaneously improving overall well-being and coping abilities.

SLEEP

The body and mind need to recharge and recuperate daily in order to serve us best, and sleep is the most effective way to do so. We quickly feel the effects of a lack of sleep with a decrease in stamina, the ability to learn, focus, make logical fact-based deductions and often realize an overall decline in performance and productivity.

Canada loses about 600,000 working hours every year to lack of sleep. (5)

Quality sleep leaves us rested, clear-headed and able to keep up with the demands of our routine. It also directly impacts our mental health, influencing behaviours, body sensations, concentration, emotions,
even our thoughts(5) which means sleep, or lack of it plays a significant role in how we feel and how well we communicate and nurture relationships. Developing a consistent sleep schedule sets the stage for the best zzzz’s we can get: cuing our brains with a nighttime ritual. Make rooms dark, quiet and cool and skip caffeine when possible. Unplug all devices at least an hour before your head hits the pillow.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Getting in regular physical activity – be it brisk walking, yoga, a gym workout or some zumba – is key to maintaining a balanced mental and physical state. When we exercise, our muscle tone and overall physical health is enhanced, but our bodies also gets busy creating endorphins, the brain’s natural stress reducers, improving mood and disposition while lessening fatigue (6) and improving sleep quality. The good effects last: findings suggest getting twenty to forty minutes of aerobic activity can result in anxiety reduction for several hours. (7)

DIET

Food fuels our bodies and how we feel. What we eat can help or hurt our body’s capacity to cope with your emotions, people or symptoms of a mental health disorder. Protein-rich foods (eggs, nuts, fish, beans and lentils) contribute to improved well-being and cognitive functioning.(7) Dark leafy greens and citrus fruits are rich in Folate, a B-vitamin often deficient in those with depressive symptoms(7) while other deficiencies in B vitamins like folic acid and B-12 may trigger or contribute to depression.(8) What our bodies need really isn’t complicated: stick to a well-balanced diet, heavy in fruits, veggies and lean proteins and steer clear of caffeine, sugar, and processed foods that can actually trigger heart palpitations, inflammation, panic and anxiety attacks.(8) Build your mental health boosting food choices into your homelife by shopping mindfully and keeping your fridge stocked with healthy choices you and your family can prepare and enjoy together. Bring leftovers to work or suggest heading to healthier lunch spots to colleagues who are also interested in keeping things less processed. Remember, food is there to nourish, replenish and promote the healing of your body and mind, but eating can also become a bonding experience that can help forge better relationships, both personal and professional.

REACHING OUT

Whether introverted or extroverted, people are social creatures by nature, and genuine connection can be a uniquely enriching and effective ingredient in boosting our mental health. Personality type, shyness and even some of the symptoms associated with common mental health disorders, can make it challenging for some to reach out to others. Do what feels right. Some of us may be most comfortable with a very small circle of family. Others may prefer a larger network with friends and colleagues, whereas some individuals like to interact in a meaningful way with others by volunteering in their communities.

Communicating with others can also facilitate reaching out for help when needed. Those with mental health disorders are often hesitant to tell their family, friends or employers of their struggles for fear of being labelled or facing prejudices(1) but talking to others can make those individuals feel less alone – and may help those supporting the individual better equipped to understand and relate to what they’re going through. Communication can open the door for support.

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives and in order to be at our best, we need to nurture our mental health daily. Prioritize yourself. If you’re facing ongoing mental health challenges or are struggling with your overall well-being, be conscious of the impact your mental state has on your life.

Cultivating good mental health hygiene can be instrumental in turning the corner toward better days.


References:

 

  1. Homewood Health.“Reducing Mental Health Stigma.”Homeweb,HomewoodHealth, homeweb.ca/articles/590343c17222348a28cfc70a.
  2. Pearson,Caryn.“The Impact of Mental Health Problems on Family Members.” Statistics Canada,The Government of Canada,27 Nov. 2015,www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-624-x/2015001/article/14214-eng.htm.
  3. Homewood Health.“10 Steps To Achieving Work-Life Balance.”Homeweb, Homewood Health  https://homeweb.ca/articles/5a0b11701922c89579682135
  4. Homewood Health.“Student Mental Health.”Homeweb, Homewood Health,homeweb. ca/articles/5b474fdaf097825a0f747466.
  5. Homewood Health.“The Importance of Sleep.”Homeweb, Homewood Health, homeweb. ca/articles/5a85c381b6dcb32404a01871.
  6. Homewood Health. “Getting Adequate Sleep.” Homeweb, Homewood Health, Homewood Health.“The Importance of Sleep. ”Homeweb, Homewood Health, homeweb. ca/articles/5a85c381b6dcb32404a01871.
  7. Homewood Health.“Linking Exercise and Nutrition To A Healthy Mind.”Homeweb, Homewood Health, homeweb.ca/articles/58a4bceb9dceb30f56b21f4e.
  8. Homewood Health.“Re-Energizing Yourself For The New Year.” Homeweb, Homewood Health, homeweb.ca/articles/5a5cd970d16fc4a06efed048