Anxiety and Depression Module C: Lesson 3 Grade 11 Active, Healthy Lifestyles

A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada Anxiety disorders affect 12% of the population Many may not seek treatment for their anxiety Consider the symptoms mild or normal Symptoms interfere with help-seeking NO weakness associated with seeking help if one is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed

Anxiety Disorders Most of us experience anxiety or feel anxious every day Concern over lack of control over circumstances May generate a solution but usually results in negative thinking May be an illness – Comes out of nowhere, is excessive, persists for many weeks without relief or interferes with everyday life

Signs and Symptoms Shortness of breath Feelings of unreality Shakiness Irritability Muscle aches and tension Insomnia Tight chest Restlessness Racing heart Sweating and nausea Choking sensations Abdominal distress Numbness or tingling Feel short-tempered and apprehensive, fearing that bad things are about to happen Can cause significant personal and societal costs Lost wages Decreased productivity Reduced quality of life Frequent use of health care services

Types Generalized anxiety disorder Panic disorder Specific phobias Social anxiety disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder

Causes No single explanation for the cause of anxiety disorders – Inherited tendency – Stressful experiences – Shy temperament – Anxious parents – Unpredictable lifestyle

Depression Affects a person’s thoughts, moods, feelings, behaviour and physical health Not a weakness and cannot treat on own Medical disorder with a biological and chemical basis Genetics or family interaction styles Stressful life event. Spontaneously with no specific identifiable cause May occur only once, sporadically or chronically

Signs and Symptoms Lack of interest in normal daily living Feeling miserable or “down in the dumps” Feelings of sadness and helplessness or may cry often Other signs and symptoms lasting at least two weeks Changes in sleep patterns, concentration, weight or eating patterns, demeanour, self-esteem, and desire to live, gastrointestinal problems, headache and backache Different age groups may react differently

Types Major depression Dysthymia Adjustment disorders Bipolar disorder Seasonal affective disorder

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues Disorder: Looks LikeFeels Like

Self-Assessment of Mental Health Choose a self-test you would like to try Discuss results if desired Anxiety Test Coping Skills Test Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test Optimism/Pessimism Test Resilience Test Self-Esteem Test Social Anxiety Test

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues Review the Mental Health Scenarios to become more acquainted with various mental health issues and some of their signs and symptoms

Prevention Strategies Control your feelings through healthy lifestyle practices – Deep breathing, relaxation, guided imagery or visualization, yoga, meditation and calming self- talk – Physical exercise Not a cure but its psychological and physical benefits can improve the symptoms

Exercise as the Best Preventive Medicine Research the benefits of exercise and physical activity for mental-emotional health and present findings in different ways

Seeking Professional Help Diagnosis of depression should be left to a health professional

Community Supports and Services Research supports and services for mental- emotional health issues available in the local community or in the province Agency Contact Information Supports and Services Provided