Mental Health
Identifying and Supporting Mental Health
Mental health reflects our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we think, feel and act. Mental wellness is a personal and subjective internal resource that allows us to feel balanced, work productively and adapt to change. Having positive mental health and positive mental wellbeing allows us to function well and cope with life’s challenges.
Many factors contribute to our mental health and wellness at both individual and community levels. These include historical and social contexts, health behaviours and personal health practices, healthy relationships and more. Some of the determinants of health that affect mental health and suicide are based on the consequences of social and political conditions that have historically harmed First Nation people.
Early identification and intervention of mental health is critical and can lead to better health outcomes in life. As many mental health issues of adulthood begin in the earlier years, it’s important to be attentive to early signs and symptoms:
- Getting significantly lower marks in school
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Acting out or rebelling
- Lack of energy or motivation
If you, or someone you know, are in crisis and considering suicide or need support, here are some helpful resources and helplines:
