Mental health is an absolutely vital component of overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, we've still got quite a ways to go when it comes to mental health awareness. At Gary J. Meiers, Ph.D., Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers, Ph.D. and Associates Ltd., our registered psychologists help people in Edmonton with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health disorders. We've seen firsthand how important mental health awareness is.
At any given time, about 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from some form of mental illness, which affects people of all ages, income levels, cultural backgrounds, and educational backgrounds. Major depression will affect about 8% of adults at some point in their lives, but 49% of people who feel that they have experienced either depression or anxiety also report never having seen a professional about it. This statistic glaringly represents why mental health awareness is so important. Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression rarely just "go away" on their own. While the symptoms may ease for some people over time, the underlying reasons behind them can remain and lead to worsening symptoms in the future. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is crucial for learning how to manage symptoms and for receiving effective treatment. The sooner that mental health issues are identified and the sooner treatment begins, the better outcomes patients will experience. One of the main reasons why people fail to seek help for anxiety and depression in Edmonton is often simply because they don't know how to access mental health services. Language, cultural, and economic barriers all play a role in who has access to mental health services. Increasing mental health awareness in the general population can go a long way towards helping people understand where and how they can access treatment for mental health problems. Mental illness also impacts loved ones. Individuals with depression are often withdrawn from their loved one often leaving them feeling confused. Individual's with anxiety are often describing their feelings or problems to a significant other and their loved one responds with a solution not knowing that what the speaker wants most is validation. In both cases learning new communication tools is the key. Many people are also reluctant to seek help because of the stigma associated with mental health disorders. They fear that, if they enter treatment and are diagnosed with a mental health condition, then they will be rejected by their friends, family, and community. Increasing mental health awareness helps to eliminate such stigma, giving people much greater confidence to ask for help. Treatment for Anxiety and Depression in Edmonton If you are experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, then Gary J. Meiers, Ph.D., Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers, Ph.D. and Associates Ltd. is here to help. Our highly trained and qualified counsellors specialize in treating anxiety and depression in Edmonton, as well as many other different types of mental health disorders. We provide treatment for people of all ages and from all walks of life. There's no need to feel ashamed or afraid to seek help for your mental health. It's no different than seeing a doctor about a physical problem. At Gary J. Meiers, Ph.D., Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers, Ph.D. and Associates Ltd., you can see a registered psychologist who has experience helping people with depression and anxiety in Edmonton. The first step is easy; all you have to do is contact us today. Source for statistics: http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-i...