Q: What is mental health?

Mental health relates to how you feel about yourself, how you feel about others and how you are able to meet and cope with the demands of life. Good mental health is not necessarily the absence of problems — it is the ability to handle problems with appropriate coping skills.

Q: What are mental illnesses?

Mental illnesses are diseases that cause mild to severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and behaviour. These disturbances may significantly impair a person’s ability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. Just like other medical conditions, mental illnesses vary greatly by type, symptoms and severity.

Q: Why is my child is struggling at school?

When a child enters the school system, he or she may encounter a set of rules and expectations that are designed for the “average” child. That average child rarely exists and the individual boy or girl may need support academically, emotionally or psychologically at different stages in his or her school career. This requires a partnership with the teacher and the school that works on the strengths of the child and supports the weaknesses. In the case of a diagnosable mental illness, children may require ongoing supports in partnership with community organizations.

Q: Do people ever recover from a mental illness?

Depending on the type and severity of the mental illness, a person can learn to cope with and lessen the symptoms of a mental illness. With proper care and treatment some people can experience a full recovery. Many people suffering from mental illness can effectively return to normal, productive lives.

Q: I am in conflict with my teen. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal — conflict with parents is part of a necessary stage of development for teens. However, in some circumstances, it could be a sign that your teen is experiencing problems. Opposition is healthy for adolescents, but being able to negotiate and reach agreements is a requirement for success, both for the teenager and for your family. Persistent or out-of-control fights, failure to resolve arguments or extremely inappropriate behaviour are signs of trouble.

Q: Do children get mental illnesses?

One-in-five Ontario youth struggle with mental health, including diagnosable psychiatric disorders such as depression, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and pervasive developmental disorders.

Q: What is clinical depression?

Clinical depression is characterized by intense feelings or thoughts of sadness and despair that last more than a few weeks and interrupt functioning in daily life. It is one of the most treatable mental illnesses, but it requires professional attention, medication, psychotherapy or a combination of these treatments. As with many illnesses, the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be.

Q: Is my child suffering from anxiety or panic attacks?

Shyness is not unusual, and can be a temporary stage or reaction to change. However, if your child is withdrawing from friends and family, struggling with physical symptoms of panic or avoiding necessary places, there could be a serious issue that requires attention.