One in five Albertans will develop a mental illness.
Four in five can make a difference.
By Alberta Mental Health Board
More information from the Alberta Mental Health Board

Mental illness strikes more Albertans than either breast cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease. Like other conditions, mental illness can bring fear or anxiety about being sick.

But unlike other conditions, mental illness also comes with a sense of shame and silence. Of feeling responsible for getting sick. Or even deserving the illness. In fact, the stigma of mental illness is what prevents many people from seeking help.

Who is affected by mental illness?
About one in five Albertans will develop a mental illness during their lifetime. The other four in five Albertans may be faced with mental illness in a friend, co-worker or loved one. In this sense all of us will be affected by mental illness in one way of another.

What is mental illness?
Mental illness includes a wide range of illnesses that can affect emotional health, relationships and self esteem. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Recognizing mental illness in others
Mental illness usually starts slowly, with gradual changes in behaviour or personality. It doesn't suddenly appear out of the blue, like a person "snapping" one day. A person who used to function well, but is now having frequent problems coping with everyday life, may have a mental illness.

The unique feature of mental illness is that people who develop it may be the last to know! That's because the illness affects part of their brain, so they may not realize they're behaving differently. It's usually friends, family or co-workers who first notice the changes.

That's why it's so important to speak up if you see troubling changes in someone you know. "I've been concerned about you lately," is a good way to open the discussion. It's best to raise the topic in a gentle, non-judgmental way.

Common signs and symptoms
The most common sign of mental illness is changes in an individual's behaviour patterns. Following are other symptoms that may occur alone or as a group of symptoms.

• Sleeping more (or less)
• Feeling tired or overwhelmed
• Frequent fear or worries
• Panic or anxiety attacks
• Feeling restless or agitated
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Feeling overly sensitive
• Unexplained changes in appetite or weight
• Loss of pleasure in ordinary activities
• Increased use of drugs, alcohol or medications
• Frequent angry outbursts
• Excessive crying
• Increased or decreased sexual drive
• Racing thoughts or rapid speech
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• False beliefs
• Hearing or seeing things that aren't there.

How can I support someone who has a mental illness?
People with mental illness may feel hopeless - as if they'll never recover or feel "normal" again. Many have reduced control over their emotions when they're ill. They feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or just plain lousy - even if life around them is fine.

It's unrealistic to expect people with mental illness to just "shape up" and start feeling better on their own. Most will need treatment - whether that's counselling, lifestyle changes or medication - to restore the complex balance of brain chemicals, hormones and thought patterns. Once this balance is achieved, the person may return to more usual behaviour patterns.

Here are some things you can do to support a friend, co-worker or loved one who develops a mental illness:

• Don't judge or blame. People with mental illness aren't to blame for the chemical imbalance, trauma or genes that may be causing their illness. Those with mental illness - like those with cancer or heart disease - need unconditional support.
  Loved ones need to hear. "You didn't ask for this illness."

• Be a source of hope. The emotional roller coaster that comes with mental illness can leave people feeling they'll never get better. Be the one who reminds an ill person that they will improve with time, support and proper treatment.
  Saying, "You will get past this," shows your support and hope.

• Separate the illness from the person. A person with a mental illness is someone with a medical condition. Labelling the person "mentally ill" is discouraging as labelling them "heart diseased."
  "You're still my mom - you just need some help now," may be the most comforting thing she'll hear.

• Help cope with negative feelings. Stigma from others can cause people with mental illness to feel overwhelmed with negative, hateful thoughts about themselves. It's the illness - not the person - causing this emotional battering.
  "You're an ill person trying to get well - not bad person trying to be good," is one of the most important things you can say.

• Avoid the silent treatment. Mental illness isn't something to be ashamed of, so don't treat it that way. Be open, candid and compassionate when talking about the illness - and those who have it.
  Try asking direct questions, like "Tell me what I can do to make this better for you."

• Celebrate success. Sometimes it's hard for ill people to see the positive steps they're taking. Be a positive influence and celebrate the small successes along the way.
  "You've come a long way. You are getting better," can be encouraging.

• Be Patient. Like other conditions, mental illness needs time, patience and compassion. Don't expect miracles or quick fixes.
  "I'm with you. We'll work through this together," are important words to hear.

• Inspire and believe. People with mental illness often feel they have to "prove" themselves all over again. this continual test of their self-worth can be exhausting and destructive. Instead, show how much they're valued - just because.
  "You don't have to measure up to be valuable - you're a gift," are words of inspiration.

• Don't use the illness as a crutch. Living with mental illness often requires changes in lifestyle. But it should never be used to avoid taking responsibility for things. Encourage those with mental illness to stick to their treatment plan and take charge of their health.
  Motivate by say, "This illness can be treated and you can make it happen."

• Set a good example. Learning to live with mental illness often means learning from good role models. Choose to manage your own mental health, and wear your good health like a badge of honor.
  "I'll help you live with your illness," are important words to hear.

• Don't burn out. If you're supporting someone who has a mental illness, be sure to take care of yourself, too. Take breaks when you need them, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
  "I need to recharge - can you help out for a while?"

Also look for these other AMHB brochures:
Mental Illness - You're Already Living With It
Signs, symptoms and common treatments for mental illness.

Mental Illness In The Work Place
What can employers and employees do about mental illness - the number one health disability in Alberta?

Good help is available in Alberta
There are many please in Alberta to talk to someone about mental health problems. Here are just a few.

• Family physicians
• Psychiatrists (doctor's referral usually needed)
• More then 70 free mental health clinic operated by the Alberta Mental Health Board
• Health professionals such as psychologists, family counsellors, nurses and social workers
• Community mental health organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta
• Public health units throughout Alberta
• School counsellors
• Clergy
• Employee Assistance programs at work
• Local hospital

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