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Frequently Asked Questions

Fast Facts about Mental Illness

What is mental health?

Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of one’s life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. At times, the balance may be tipped too much in one direction and one’s footing has to found again. Everyone’s personal balance is unique and the challenge is to stay mentally healthy by keeping the right balance. Mental health is as important as physical health. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has always considered mental well-being as an integral part of the general definition of health. WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or “infirmity”. CMHA-YT believes that everyone must have good mental health, including people living with mental illness on a daily basis.

What is mental illness?

Mental illness is the term used to refer to a variety of mental disorders that can be diagnosed. Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alternations in thinking, mood or behaviour (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.

Who is affected?

How common is it?

What causes it?

What is the economic cost?

How does it impact youth?

Reference:  Mental Health Commission of Canada (2013). Making the case for investing in mental health in Canada.

What is the role of CMHA National?

CMHA National works to assist the members of the Association, through the 87 CMHA Divisions, Regions and Branches in over 300 communities across Canada, promoting the mental health of all people. CMHA National reaches out to the federal government at political and bureaucratic levels to drive policy and advocate on issues relating to mental health. They also develop national educational materials for the organization as a whole, work in partnership with other national organizations on common issues of concern, provide leadership on national/pan-Canadian issues and conduct research and programs to support policy development.

What is the role of the CMHA-YT?

The CMHA-YT provides multi-faceted services directly to clients, their families and workplace environments. We endeavour to structure our programs to meet the needs of our northern communities. We provide counselling, public education materials, develop policy, conduct research, studies and demonstration projects and advocate at the territorial level. 

How is CMHA-YT funded?

CMHA-YT is a charity and we rely on the financial support of corporations, foundations, individuals and other groups who believe in our work. CMHA-YT receives government support for core funding, specific programs and services.

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