Mental health By Théa and Yejin

Problem The problem that we noticed it that people do not understand the extent of mental health issues in Canada and what they are.

Different types of mental disorders Bipolar disorder – formerly called manic depression, causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). Schizophrenia - characterized by abnormal social behavior and failure to understand what is real. Common symptoms include false beliefs, unclear or confused thinking, hearing voices that others do not hear, reduced social engagement and emotional expression, and a lack of motivation. Personality disorder – is characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior.  Anxiety – is generally when you easily feel worried of nervous and some symptoms could be dizziness, sweating, and stomach pain. Depression – is a state of low mood and loss of motivation. Depression can effect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being And there are many more

Other information Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures. The total number of 12-19 year old’s in Canada at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million. In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age. 41 percent of Canadians are at high risk for mental illness (significant increase from 2016’s 35 percent)

Solution Ideas Educating students in high school about the issue Taking mental illness tests regularly Peer Support Canada Get more places that people can go to get help

Solution we are focusing on and how we think it will help The solution that we thought would be most effective would be educating students in the issue. We need to start teaching children from younger age to help them understand the warning signs of mental illness and suicide, and to show them ways to prevent it.  This would help because students will be able to notice the signs and symptoms. This will also show them what to do if they need help. The way we would do this is by adding it into the curriculum. It is already a small unit in school but you do not learn it until high school. It needs to be a larger unit taught to students that are a younger age.

Citations https://cmha.ca/about-cmha/fast-facts-about-mental-illness http://peersupportcanada.ca/ https://www.medicinenet.com/mental_illness/article.htm https://globalnews.ca/news/3415871/these-3-groups-are-at-high-risk-of-mental- health-issues-in-canada-heres-why/

Thank you