Mental illness includes a wide variety of illnesses such as mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorders), anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders (schizophrenia).
Tips & Links
- Mental illnesses can also include behavioural and cognitive complications of a variety of brain diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinson’s.
- Be aware that mental illness is not an expected or normal condition of aging and anyone with symptoms needs an assessment by their physician or a psychiatrist.
- Learn about the difference between mental health illnesses from Healthlink BC.
- Share any mental illnesses or emotional health issues on your health profile. Ensure your caregivers are aware of your symptoms and your coping strategies.
- Explore mental health and substance abuse resources and services from Healthlink BC.
- Read personal stories and learn where to get support for yourself or others from Heretohelp.bc.ca.
- Locate Canadian Mental Health Association. (CMHA) resources in your community.
- Choose a professional to help you with your mental health. Most offer a 15-minute consult for free. You can read their biographies on Counselling BC to choose a clinical counsellor, psychologist, art therapist, or psychotherapist who can help.
- If you or someone you care about talks about feeling helpless or is showing warning signs of suicide, find help right away. Call the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or call 911.
Tools – Handouts & Videos
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