If you are in an emergency, in crisis or need someone to talk to, there is help.

View Crisis Resouces
Skip to content
  • Contact Us
  • No One Left Behind
  • Join our team
  • Vaccine Clinic
  • Accessibility
  • EN FR
CAMH logo
  • Your Care
    • Main Page
    • Access CAMH & Referral Form
      • Access CAMH

        Centralized information, intake and scheduling. Access CAMH makes it easy to find support – simply call 416-535-8501, option 2.

      • Referral Form

        For mental health services, a referral form needs to be completed by a healthcare provider. For addictions services, patient can self-refer.

    • Programs & Services
      • Addictions/Substance Use
      • Aggression & Behavioural Issues
      • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
      • Anxiety & Depression
      • Concurrent Disorders
      • Developmental Disabilities
      • Mood & Personality Disorders
      • Problem Gambling
      • Schizophrenia & Psychosis
      • Trauma & Stress Disorders
      • Virtual Mental Health and Outreach
      • Other
    • Patient Wellness
    • Planning Your Care
      • Supporting Families

        Family members play an essential role the recovery of a loved one. The Office of Family Engagement is here for you.

      • Staying at CAMH

        Be prepared with all the info you need to make your inpatient experience at CAMH as comfortable as possible.

    • Your Rights
      • Client Relations
      • Bill of Client Rights
      • Empowerment Council
      • Legal Rights, Protection of Health Info & Access to Records
    • Visiting CAMH
      • Visiting CAMH

        Planning on visiting CAMH? Find contact information, directions and accessibility for each of our three main sites.

        Read More
  • Health Info _
    • Main Page
    • Mental Illness & Addiction Index
      • Conditions & Disorders
      • Medication Therapies
      • Substance Use
      • Types of Treatment
      • Information in Other Languages
    • Mental Health 101
      • Mental Health 101

        Use this series of free online tutorials as the starting point to learn about and understand a wide range of mental health topics.

        Read More
    • Guides & Publications
      • Guides & Publications

        Accessible, reliable, professionally produced resources on an array of mental health topics for patients, families, students and professionals.

        Read More
    • Crisis Resources
      • Crisis Resources

        If you are in an emergency, in crisis or need someone to talk to, there is a list of resources available for areas in and around Toronto.

        Read More
    • CAMH Store
      • CAMH Store

        The CAMH Store offers a wide array of mental illness and addiction resources for patients, families, students and professionals. Search or browse our catalogue of brochures and booklets, textbooks, manuals and assessment tools.

        Read More
    • CAMH Library
      • CAMH Library

        Open to professionals and the general public, our comprehensive resources and services support and enhance CAMH's research and clinical programs, and they facilitate learning, dynamic knowledge exchange and health promotion initiatives.

        Read More
    • Workplace Mental Health Playbook
    • Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
      • Coping with stress & anxiety
      • Quarantine & isolation
      • Stigma and prejudice
      • Loss, grief and healing
      • Resources for Health Care Workers
  • Research
    • Main Page
    • Research Areas at CAMH
      • Brain Science

        CAMH is revolutionizing our understanding of the brain and the causes, biomarkers and treatments of mental illness.

      • Personalized Care

        By understanding diverse groups, we prevent, diagnose and care for each one with greater precision and personalization.

      • Prevention and Policy

        Using evidence, we drive system and social change to optimize care and reduce the burden of mental illness, including addictions, across populations.

    • The Discovery Fund
      • The Discovery Fund

        Fuelling the next generation of groundbreaking research and innovation dedicated to finding the causes of and cures for mental illness.

        Read More
    • Institutes & Centres
      • Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre
      • Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry
      • Brain Health Imaging Centre
      • Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute
      • Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder
      • Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression
      • Institute for Mental Health Policy Research
      • Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics
      • Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition
      • Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics
      • Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention
      • The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child Youth & Family Mental Health
    • Clinical Divisions
      • Addictions Division
      • Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division
      • Child and Youth Psychiatry Division
      • Forensic Psychiatry Division
      • General and Health Systems Psychiatry Division
      • Psychology Division
      • Schizophrenia Division
    • Research Discoveries
      • Research Discoveries

        At the leading edge of breakthrough mental health and addiction research for over 50 years.

      • BrainBuzz Newsletter

        The latest news, groundbreaking discoveries and special features about CAMH research, studies, and the people behind the work.

      • Research Strategic Plan

        Learn what drives our research agenda and priorities in the CAMH Research Plan for 2018-2023

    • Research Connect
      • Research Connect FAQs
      • Research Ethics
    • Research Students & Fellows
      • Research Students & Fellows

        Train in a unique and welcoming learning environment with Canada's leading scientists in mental illness and addiction.

        Read More
    • Science & Research Staff Directory
      • Our Scientific Staff
      • Research Chairs at CAMH
    • Tech Transfer & Industry Partnerships
  • Education
    • Main Page
    • Continuing Education Programs and Courses
      • Find the Course That's Right for You

        Browse our entire selection of certificate programs, webinars and workshops.

      • Workplace Education and Consulting

        View our full list of workplace mental health workshops and consulting services

    • Collaborative Learning College
    • Simulation Centre
    • Student Centre
    • Clinical & Research Opportunities for Professionals in Training
      • Clinical Psychology Training Programs
      • Community-Based Research Fellowship
      • Graduate & Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Public Health Policy
      • Clinical & Research Opportunities for Professionals in Training

        Study in a world-class setting to become a leader in the field of mental health.

    • Academic & Education Research Excellence
      • Academic & Education Research Excellence

        Inspired teaching fosters inspired learning – CAMH improves the quality of care for all through excellence in professional education.

        Read More
    • CAMH Business Development Office Contacts
    • CAMH Education Contacts
  • Professionals
    • Main Page
    • Treating Conditions and Disorders
      • Adult ADHD
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Canadian Opioid Use Disorder Guideline
      • Dementia
      • Depression
      • Disability & insurance claims in primary care
      • Eating Disorders
      • Fundamentals of Addiction
      • Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
      • Mania
      • OCD
      • Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
      • Personality Disorders
      • Psychosis
      • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
      • Sleep Disorders
      • Smoking Cessation
      • Suicide Risk
      • Psychiatric Interviewing
      • The CARIBOU Pathway by CAMH
    • Professionals Projects
      • Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project
      • Opioid Use in Primary Care Conference 2023
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
  • Get Involved
    • Main Page
    • Ways to Donate
      • Give Monthly
      • Give In Memory or In Honour
      • Explore the Giving Hub
      • Start a Fundraiser
      • Gifts of Celebration
      • Leave a Gift in Your Will
      • Employee Matching & Payroll Deduction
      • Donate Goods & Services
      • Gifts of Securities
      • Canvassers & Callers
      • Make a one-time donation

        With your support, CAMH researchers are revolutionizing the ways we diagnose, treat, and prevent mental illness. Donate today.

    • Join the Cause
      • Business Leaders for Mental Health Action
      • Visionary Society
      • Michael Wilson Society
      • CAMH Engage
      • Corporate Partnerships
      • Volunteer at CAMH
    • Putting Your Donations to Work
      • Putting Your Donations to Work

        Every donation you make to CAMH enables us to directly help Canadians living with mental illness— and countless more worldwide—through the discoveries we share.

        Read More
    • Making a Real Impact
      • Making a Real Impact

        Real stories of courage, hope and discovery. Made possible through your continued support of CAMH.

        Read More
  • Driving Change
    • Main Page
    • About CAMH
      • Leadership Team Directory
      • Performance & Accountability
      • The Role of CAMH Foundation
      • For Reporters
      • Events Calendar
      • For Our Neighbours
      • Contact CAMH
      • One CAMH: Strategic Plan 2020-2023
      • Careers at CAMH

        Interested in working at CAMH and making a difference? Put your skills and passion to work in a dynamic, supportive environment—and help transform lives and the future of mental health care.

    • The Crisis is Real
      • The Crisis is Real

        We are in the grips of a crisis that ruins health, threatens lives and hurts economies. Knowing the facts is the first step in creating hope.

      • Mental Health Statistics

        The latest facts and statistics on mental illness and addiction, who's affected and their impact on Canadians.

    • Addressing Stigma
      • Addressing Stigma

        Challenging the stigma associated with mental illness takes understanding, education and a closer look at our own attitudes toward health.

        Read More
    • The Mental Health Facility of the Future
      • The Mental Health Facility of the Future

        Turning what was once a walled institution into a symbol of hope for the future of mental health care.

      • Vision & Guiding Principles

        How do you replace an institution with an urban village? Lots of planning, imagination and a long-term commitment to serving patients, staff and the community.

      • History of Queen Street Site

        Our history—evolving from an asylum into a modern health facility with patients at the centre of care—is the history of mental health care in Canada.

    • Provincial System Support Program
      • Provincial System Support Program

        CAMH’s Provincial System Support Program collaborates to support the province’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy and make sustainable, system-level change.

        Read More
    • Influencing Public Policy
      • Influencing Public Policy

        CAMH advocates for policies that are responsive to the needs of people with mental illness and addictions.

        Read More
    • Health Equity
      • Health Equity

        CAMH believes in the principle of equity. We respect the diversity of the individuals and communities we serve.

        Read More
    • Game Changers
    • Shkaabe Makwa
    • CAMH News & Stories
    • Contact Us
    • No One Left Behind
    • Join our team
    • Vaccine Clinic
    • Accessibility
    • EN FR

Secondary Education Resources for Teachers

Most mental health problems begin in adolescence, when most young people are involved in academics and the development of personal relationships. 

CAMH Logo
  • Secondary Education Resources for Teachers
Back to top
  • Home
  • Health Info
  • Guides & Publications
  • Secondary Education Resources for Teachers

Definitions:
Mental Health vs. Mental Health Problems, Mental Wellness vs. Mental Illness

"Mental health involves finding balance in all aspects of your life: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is the ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges you face everyday—whether that involves making choices and decisions, adapting to and coping in difficult situations, or talking about your needs and desires." (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) (2003), Challenges and Choices , pp 11, Toronto, Ontario.)

A person feels mentally healthy when it feels like everything is working well. You feel good about yourself, your relationships with other people, and are able to meet the demands and challenges of everyday life.

Throughout a person's lifetime, mental health is the springboard of thinking and communication skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience, and self esteem.

We may take our mental health for granted and may not notice the components of our mental well-being until we experience problems and stresses in our life. Mental health problems refer to changes in a person's ability to cope and function. These changes may occur at any age for men or women and at any time in a person's life.

"Just as your life and circumstances continually change, so do your moods and thoughts and your sense of well-being. It is important to find balance in your life over time and in a range of situations. It is natural to feel off balance at times: for example, sad, worried, scared or suspicious. But these kinds of feelings may become a problem if they get in the way of your daily life over a long period." (CAMH, Challenges and Choices, pp 11)

Mental health challenges generally refer to those changes that occur over a period of time or that significantly affect the way a person copes or functions. When these changes in thinking, mood, and behaviour are associated with significant distress and impaired functioning, it may be that the person is experiencing a mental illness.

Mental illness is the term used to refer to mental health problems that are diagnosed and treated by mental health professionals. In the medical professions, they are also called "mental disorders" but this is not a term that is very comfortable to most people. This would include such problems as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, social phobia, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.

It is important to recognize that mental wellness and mental health problems or mental illness are part of an ever changing and dynamic continuum.

Illness/Wellness Continuum Model

In the 1970s, Travis developed the Illness/Wellness Continuum Model that attempts to describe the relationship between health and illness.

It is also helpful to think of the balance in our lives and in our mental health as a triangle with equal sides. The sides of the triangle represent our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. They are all connected in this triangle; balance or change in one side of the triangle affects the rest of the triangle, e.g., changes in our thinking can affect changes in our behaviour or feelings.

Mind - Body Relationship

We tend to think of physical health and mental health as very separate from one another. In fact we need to understand that the brain carries out mental functions such as thinking, concentration, and feelings as well as physical functions such as movement, touch, and balance. Scientific studies suggest that many serious mental illnesses involve changes in the chemistry of the brain.

Many mental health problems involve mental as well as physical symptoms. For example, when someone is very anxious and experiences what is known as an anxiety attack, they experience mental symptoms such as anxious or fearful thoughts as well as physical symptoms such as racing heart, sweaty palms, difficulty breathing. Similarly, when someone is experiencing depression, they may experience the emotions of sadness, tearfulness, and despair but they are likely also to experience the physical symptoms affecting their sleep patterns, eating habits, appetite, and energy.

Prevalence

It is estimated that one in five Canadians or close to six million people are likely to experience a diagnosable mental illness during some period in their lives (from Health Canada; Canadian Psychiatric Association). Mental illness is the second leading cause of hospital use (from Canadian Psychiatric Association).

It is important to understand that most mental health problems begin in adolescence and early adulthood. Because this is a time when most young people are involved in academics, occupational pursuits, and the development of personal relationships, it is easy to understand how mental health problems can affect many areas of a young person's growth and development.

Stigma and Mental Health

Stigma refers to the negative qualities and perceptions that are attributed to people with mental health problems. Stigma is often associated with discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes. People often avoid or delay medical care and treatment for their mental health problems because of stigma and the fear others will see them as "weak" or "different".

"The negative reaction to mental illness leads to discrimination that can be as hard for people to deal with as the symptoms of the disorder itself. For people with mental illness, stigma can be a barrier to finding a place to live, finding a job, finding friends, building a long-term relationship and connecting to the broader community—things that everyone needs for mental health." (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) (2001), Talking About Mental Illness (TAMI), Teacher's Resource). 

What Causes Mental Illness or Mental Health Problems?

We do not know for sure what causes mental illness but most studies suggest that a combination of factors contribute to the onset, recovery, and severity of most mental health problems. These include:

  • Genetic factors: some mental health problems may occur more often in families where there is a history of mental illness.
  • Biological factors: age and gender are believed to affect the rates and prevalence of mental illness especially when combined with other environmental factors
  • Environmental/experimental factors: stresses due to finances, relationships, family background, access to health care and social supports are believed to affect mental health 
  • Physical factors: symptoms of mental illness can be found to occur in people with a physical illness. For example, people who experience a chronic physical illness may also experience depression, In turn, a peson's experience of a physical illness may be affected by their mental health.

Promoting Positive Mental Health

While the factors listed above may contribute to a person's experience of mental health and mental illness, we also understand that there are other factors that contribute to mental health.

Risk factors are those factors that are present before the onset of an illness and that increase the risk of developing a physical or mental illness.

Protective factors decrease the risk of developing an illness by moderating the effects of the risk factors.

The field of health promotion and prevention has identified many strategies to maximize the mental health and well being of individuals by weakening the impact of the risk factors and strengthening the impact of the protective factors.

Exercises in this learning unit attempt to develop the coping skills and strategies that enhance and promote positive mental health. Although a person's susceptibility to mental health problems may be related to environmental or genetic factors beyond one's control, certain behaviours or coping strategies may make one less susceptible or may lead to better outcomes if faced with the experience of a mental health problem. Knowledge, awareness, and understanding of mental health also contribute positively to outcomes in that individuals are more likely to seek necessary support and treatment. 

Follow us
  • Your Care
  • Health Info
  • Science and Research
  • Education
  • Professionals
  • Get Involved
  • Driving Change
  • About CAMH
  • Job Openings
  • Purchase Publications
  • Referral Form
  • For Reporters
  • Donor Services
  • Events

CAMH Switchboard

From the GTA: 416 535-8501


Toll-free: 1 800 463-2338

To Access CAMH Clinical Services

416 535-8501, press 2

We have multiple locations. Find directions.

Map of CAMH's Queen Street Site
  • Staff Tools

Copyright 2023 CAMH

  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Site Map
  • Language : EN FR

Keep in touch with CAMH

Keep your finger on our pulse – latest CAMH news, discoveries and ways to get involved delivered to your inbox.

Please select a newsletter

Please complete the following:

    Required Fields

    Please select a newsletter option

    Please input a first name

    Please input a last name

    Please input an email address

    By clicking Sign Up below, I consent to receive electronic communications (as selected above) from CAMH and CAMH Foundation. To unsubscribe at any time click the link in our mailing or email: unsubscribe@camh.ca

    Please agree to the Terms of Use

     

    Thanks for Subscribing.

    We look forward to keeping you informed, inspired and involved in all things CAMH.

    Give for a world where mental health is health

    Your donation will fund the groundbreaking mental health research that is helping people on the path to recovery.

    $
    Other Ways to Give
    Join our team