<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Studies have found that two thirds of Canadians have experience with depression or anxiety, either themselves or through someone close to them<sub>1</sub>. Statistics Canada found in 2013 that 3 million adult Canadians reported that they had a mood or anxiety disorder. These 3 million citizens represent nearly 12% of the adult Canadian population<sub>2</sub></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Historically, mental health disorders and problems have been stigmatized, but by learning more about them, our understanding of them has changed. People with mental health illnesses have many more options for help and treatment, and their medical concerns are better understood, helping them to live better lives.</span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone’s mental health is as unique as they are. Mental illnesses can be linked to any combination of causes involving biological, environmental, or psychological factors. A great number of things have been linked to mental illness in different people like brain chemistry, traumatic loss, or even stress. </span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are times when everyone may feel very overwhelmed by emotion, nervousness, or worry. These are normal experiences that many people have in response to their surroundings. However, when these feelings are experienced chronically or impede your ability to function normally, they can be a cause for concern. Mental health concerns can be related to any number of factors, but can all start to heal or improve with the help of medical professionals.</span></p><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><b>What Are Mood and Anxiety Disorders? </b><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mental health</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">illnesses connected to mood and anxiety can present in many subtly different ways. Symptoms may commonly overlap depending on the nature of the illness, but medical professionals have created some categories to help treat their patients. </span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Typically, anxiety is a characteristic symptom of a variety of disorders. These can involve disorders inspiring intense fear or panic in response to specific things or situations, and others may involve chronic and prolonged anxiety and nervousness.</span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mood disorders such as depression, are more likely to be characterized by the feeling of intense and prolonged emotions that have a negative effect on one’s health and wellbeing<sub>4</sub></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Depression is a common mood disorder. Most people have ups and downs that are normal parts of their lives. When someone suffers from depression, their times of “low” moods last for weeks without reprieve. </span></p><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><b>How Do I Get Help?</b><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes all you need to do to get help is ask. Recognizing your feelings and expressing how you feel to a loved one or a family physician is a great place to start. Your doctor has access to healthcare professionals and specialists who will be able to provide the help and support that works for you. Through these networks of assistance, people gain access to personalized care that usually uses any combinations or therapy, counselling, medication, and supports to fit individual needs, and to help improve their symptoms - to feel better and more themselves. </span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many crisis lines available to call if you need to talk to someone. If you or someone you know is experienceing a crisis and does not feel safe, emergency help can be reached via 9-1-1. </span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do not suffer alone or in silence, help is available to put you on the road to feeling better. </span></p><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><strong>CITATIONS:</strong><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><ol><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Effects of Depression and Anxiety on Canadian Society.” CMHA National, Canadian Mental Health Association, cmha.ca/documents/the-effects-of-depression-and-anxiety-on-canadian-society/. </span></i></li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Canada, Public Health Agency of. “Mood and anxiety disorders in Canada.” </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Canada.ca</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Government of Canada, 3 June 2015, www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/mood-anxiety-disorders-canada.html. </span></li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Anxiety Disorders.” </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">CMHA National</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Canadian Mental Health Association, cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/anxiety-disorders/. </span></li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Depression and Bipolar Disorder.” </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">CMHA National</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Canadian Mental Health Association, cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/bipolar-disorder/. </span></li><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></ol><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->