Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 1

Answer: e). Each of these are a symptom of a different anxiety disorder in the following order: a) Generalized Anxiety Disorder; b) Social Anxiety Disorder or social phobia; c) Panic Disorder; d) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 4. What should you do if you suspect someone close to you is suffering from a mental illness? a) Call a medical professional immediately b) Take them for a night on the town or for a much needed vacation c) Talk to them about your concerns and encourage them to seek help d) Lend them a book about mental health and wellness Answer: c). If you think someonemight be dealing with amental illness, speak to them, and be open and receptive to hearing about their experience. Encourage them to talk to their doctor or speak to a counsellor about what they are going through. 5. Depression and bipolar disorder are both examples of: a) Mood disorders b) Personality disorders c) Anxiety disorders Answer: a) Mood disorders: these disorders affect approximately 10%of the population, with depression being the most common. 6. True or False: Asking someone directly if they are having suicidal thoughts increases their risk of suicide Answer: False. Talking to someone about suicidal intent can actually lower their risk of attempting suicide by decreasing anxiety and opening lines of communication 7. True or false: If someone is having a panic attack, the best way to help them is to tell them to calm down and tell them to go for a run Answer: False. If someone is having a panic attack, the best way to help them is to speak slowly, assure them that this is temporary and they are safe, and encourage them to take long deep breaths until the panic attack passes 8. What is the best way to prevent mental illness? a) Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly b) Don’t drink alcohol or do drugs c) Avoid overly stressful activities and over stimulating environments d) Spend more time with mentally healthy, high functioning people e) There is no one sure way to prevent mental illness Answer: e). Mental illness is usually caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors and cannot be prevented. However, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and reducing your intake of alcohol and drugs can lessen the symptoms of mental illness and its likelihood to interfere with your life 9. True or false: These days, there is no longer any stigma associated with mental illness Answer: False. Although stigma around mental illness may be decreasing, there is still a lot of fear, shame, and ignorance around it. Stigma is one of the biggest obstacles to seeking help and treatment for mental illnesses How did you do? No matter what your level of mental illness awareness is, it is always a good idea to learn more and increase your understanding. If you suspect that you or someone you love is experiencing signs mental illness, the best thing to do is to talk about it: talk to your family and friends, talk to your loved one, and talk to a professional about your worries so that you or they can get the help you need. Access mental health and wellness support through CDSPI’s Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) via social media, its Help Desk service, and on its website. MAP can be accessed by calling 1.844.578.4040 or visiting www.workhealthlife.com . S upporting Y our P ractice 37 Issue 1 | 2021 |