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December 2010 MEnTal hEalTh anD WEllnEss

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FOR ACHIEVING MENTAL WELLNESS ERASING STIGMA AND SHAME Ottawa Senators Captain Daniel Alfredsson encourages

PHOTO: COLIN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY important conversations about mental health 2 · deCeMbeR 2010 AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt challEngEs TIP/STEP DEPRESSED? You may be eligible to participate 1 in a MEDICATION STUDY on depression

START THE if you are: 18 – 65 years old and CONVERSATION WE RECOMMEND ABOUT MENTAL currently depressed HEALTH Busting depression myths Looking past common For information, visit: AntidepressantTrial.com misconceptions

pAGe 7 Call: Dr.Kennedy’s office “About eight percent Toronto General Hospital of adult Canadians will 416.340.4800 EXT 8839 experience a major depression at some No compensation provided point in their lives.”

Concurrent disorders p.2 A major health concern that doubles need Youth and mental health p.5 What to watch out for

One of Canada’s most common illnesses is also the least understood. Statistics show that one in every fi ve Canadians will have a mental health problem at some point in their lives. It is time to raise awareness and fi ght the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Mental illness can’t be cured if it’s hidden

et’s imagine for just a son on the street corner or that guy keeping your job at all. It can lower moment that you are sit- downtown that talks to himself. It your number of friends on Facebook ting in the 100-level at is about your family and mine; your in a heartbeat. But discrimination Rogers Centre. neighbour and my friend. It aff ects also means we can ignore, without It is the seventh game of children and grandparents and every guilt, those needing help. For those the World Series and the age in between. In any given year, one adults with a serious mental illness, Blue Jays are on top by in fi ve of us will suff er a debilitating only one in three will get the care they lthree runs. Better yet, if we are going mental illness. Yet as a society we do need. For children the ratio is one in to dream big, let’s imagine that it is our best to pretend to ourselves and six. A survey in 2008 by the Canadian game seven of the Stanley Cup and those around us that it doesn’t exist. Medical Association tells the story the Toronto Maple Leafs are rocking Why is that? We talk openly about very well: Lorne Zon ■■ the crowd at Air Canada Centre with a cancer, diabetes, AIDS or strokes. We CeO, CMHA National & CeO, CMHA Ontario 50 percent of Canadians would tell two goal lead in the third period—just insist on money going to services to a friend or co-worker they have a fam- MY BEST TIPS seconds to go. Oh, why not, let it be a meet the needs of those living with ily member with a mental illness; the really big fantasy, the Leafs are lead- these conditions. We give generously number for cancer is 72 percent. ing the Montreal Canadians. to research and charities that work to Exercise—it improves your ■■46 percent of Canadians think If you think these are the ultimate address these health problems. Why psychological well-being and people use the term mental illness as MeNtAL HeALtH ANd WeLLNeSS fantasies, then let us imagine that is it so diff erent for mental illness reduces stress and anxiety. an excuse for bad behaviour. 1St editiON, deCeMbeR 2010 within your family, friends and co- when, in fact, its impact on individu- Share humour—Laughter is a strong ■■55 percent of Canadians would be medicine. Managing Director: Gustav Aspegren workers, everyone is mentally healthy. als, families and business dwarfs all of unlikely to marry someone with a Set personal goals—it can be [email protected] Unfortunately, it is far more likely the other health conditions? mental illness. Editorial Manager: Jackie McDermott as simple as reading a book [email protected] that the Leafs and Blue Jays fantasies but reaching your goal builds Stigma and discrimination are indeed Title Developer: David Shoemaker will come true than the chances that A fear of reaching out alive and well in our Canadian society. [email protected] confi dence. Business Developer: Darshan Thomas everyone you know is mentally well. Two words come to mind immedi- Volunteer—it’s a win-win. It We all have the right to be as men- [email protected] ately—stigma and discrimination. tally healthy as we can. Whether as helps you and others. Responsible for this issue: A common condition Being open about having a mental a society we act on economic, health Publisher: Brittney Blake Mental illness is very real and it is illness is a show stopper for any pro- or purely humanitarian grounds is a [email protected] Designer: Penelope Graham not just aff ecting that homeless per- motion at work or far too often, for mute point, but act we must! [email protected] Contributors: Vito Cupoli, Joan Edwards Karmazyn, Dr. Reinhard Michael Krausz, Karen Liberman, Dr. Mary V. Seeman, Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino, Lorne Zon

Distributed within: National Post, December 2010 This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve the National Post or its concurrent disorders double need Editorial Departments. Concurrent disorders—the “the unique to reduce alcohol- and drug-related co-occurrence of both harms—asked members of its Sci- Mediaplanet’s business is to create new cus- challenges of this tomers for our advertisers by providing read- mental health and substance entifi c Advisory Council—a group of ers with high-quality editorial content use problems—are a major vulnerable leading biomedical, neuroscience and that motivates them to act. health issue in Canada. population cannot be clinical experts—to develop a report on the issue. Entitled Substance Abuse They can include many combinations overlooked.” in Canada: Concurrent Disorders, of mental health and substance use Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino the report signals the need for new Ph.D., Professor, Vice-President of the problems such as an anxiety disor- University of Toronto and Co-chair of the approaches to prevention and early der and a drinking problem, schizo- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuses intervention, treatment practices, DON’T MISS Scientifi c Advisory Council. phrenia and cannabis dependence, or and education and training for those depression and dependence on sleep- HIV or Hepatitis C—these individuals providing care to individuals with ing pills. There is no simple or single cause experience higher unemployment, concurrent disorders. How to reach out “We know more than 50 percent of for a concurrent disorder. In some relationship diffi culties, social anxi- those seeking help for an addiction cases people develop a substance use ety and, at the extreme, can become Recognizing the problem Early detection and help for also have a mental health problem, problem as a form of self-medication homeless, socially marginalized or Understanding the signs, symptoms ! individuals with concurrent and 15 to 20 percent of those seeking in response to a mental health issue, criminally involved. and eff ective treatment of concurrent disorders is vital—especially help from mental health services are whereas in others a mental health Canada’s mental health and addic- disorders is vital to providing quality among youth, as substance use is also living with an addiction,” says Dr. issue may result from drug abuse or tion systems tend to be independent care and producing positive patient more common during adolescence. Franco J. Vaccarino, Ph.D., Professor dependence. and compartmentalized. As a result, outcomes that will alleviate not only If you suspect that you or someone of Psychology and Psychiatry at the the focus of treatment for people with the burden on our health care system you know has a mood disorder or University of Toronto and Co-chair Fighting the stigma concurrent disorders tends to be on but also, more importantly, the bur- anxiety and substance abuse issue, of CCSA‘s Scientifi c Advisory Council. The unique challenges of this vulner- just one component of their concur- den on individuals and their families speak to a health care professional “We also know that people suff ering able population cannot be overlooked. rent disorder. Seeking a more eff ec- who suff er with this complex and right away. To fi nd specialized help, from both mental health and sub- Through their limited ability to cope tive treatment approach to improve debilitating disorder. search CCSA’s Canadian Addiction stance use problems represent some with everyday challenges and the overall client outcomes, the Canadian To learn more about CCSA or to access Organization database at of the most complex and diffi cult to stigma attached to their conditions Centre on Substance Abuse—Cana- the report on concurrent disorders, www.ccsa.ca. treat cases.” and overall health—many may have da’s national organization working visit www.ccsa.ca. AN independent SUPPLEMENT by mediaplanet TO THE NATIONAL POST Has Your Disability How to Select the Disability Law Firm that challEnges DEPRESSED? Claim Been Denied? is Right for You. You may be eligible to participate If your claim has been You are not alone. has happened and your doctor has denied you may discover in a MEDICATION STUDY on depression informed you that you are unable to that talking to your Every year, thousands of sick, injured work. You have the right to expect your Insurance Company is like if you are: 18 – 65 years old and and disabled Canadians are turned insurer to honour their covenant with talking to a brick wall— if you down by their insurers. Their insurance you—period”. can even get them on the currently depressed policies are valid, they’ve paid their pre- Share Lawyers has sued all the major phone. miums—and their injuries or illnesses Canadian insurers on behalf of clients Here are the three things to look for For information, visit: AntidepressantTrial.com are serious. But they are turned down suffering from everything from lupus in selecting a disability law firm. anyway. to fibromyalgia to cancer. They were all ■■ Call: Dr.Kennedy’s office “When my disability claim was turned down by their insurers. 1. They cover all the costs until As long as your insurer is taking your settlement. A reputable disability law Toronto General Hospital denied I was shocked...and so I calls, treating you with respect and firm will work with you on the basis took action”—Kellie Ann Wolfe making reasonable requests of you, you that no fees will be charged until the 416.340.4800 EXT 8839 shouldn’t have too much of a problem case is settled. They will make the fee No compensation provided Is this legal? “Unfortunately, it is”, says maintaining your benefits. If your ben- arrangement simple and clear at the Share. “The insurers often take refuge efits are denied, or if your insurer is play- outset. in legal language and wait to see if their ing games with you, consulting a law ■■2. They understand the insur- clients are willing to fight back”. 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www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com Connecting you with workplace mental health tools and resources. The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is funded by The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Freely available to all employers and the public through The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace and the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. design are trademarks of The Great-West Life Assurance Company. 4 · deCeMbeR 2010 AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt InsPIRaTIOn Ottawa Senators Captain Daniel Alfredsson is striving to put the stigma surrounding mental illness on ice by joining forces with the You Know Who I Am campaign. leading the charge

LEADER TO LEADER involved can go a long way. “My work on the campaign has defi nitely helped Many hockey fans have seen my relationship with my sister. We can Daniel Alfredsson’s leadership in talk more openly now. Talking about her action. mental illness was a really tough step to take, but it was worth it to show her how The four-time-Olympian is not only Cap- much I love her and support her. I know I tain of the Ottawa Senators Hockey team, cannot understand everything she’s been he is also the team’s all-time leader in through but at least she knows that I am PROFILE games played, goals scored and points not ashamed of her illness and that she totalled. doesn’t have to be either.” Daniel His leadership off the ice is equally eff ec- Alfredsson tive, if not as well known. For two years, The line of communication ■■Captain of the Alfredsson has been the public advocate Erasing this reality of stigma and shame Ottawa Senators for the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Men- is at the core of Royal Ottawa’s “You Know ■■Four-time tal Health. He has embraced the founda- Who I Am Campaign.” It encourages Olympian tion’s mission to raise awareness and fi ght important conversations about mental ■■Joined the stigma surrounding mental illness. health at the most fundamental levels: Royal Ottawa A FAMILY CAUSE Daniel Alfredsson poses with You Know Who I Am campaign speaker—firefighter Therefore, he is quite open about revealing among family members, with friends, and Foundation for Larry Rusk who was inspired by Daniel to speak out, Larry’s wife Robin and daughters Tonisha, that his personal connection to the issue in the workplace. Alfredsson knows what Mental Health Cassandra and Melissa PHOTO: COLIN ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY comes though his sister who has been he is working toward: “I look forward to a as the You Know fi ghting a generalized anxiety disorder for time when a young person will reach out Who I am cancer or diabetes and I want it to be the in Sweden last summer and she is 10 years. for help and we as a society will be there spokesperson same way for mental illness. That’s my improving. She is managing her ill- “My sister is two years younger than me to listen, to help and to off er hope. I look and Mental Health goal.” ness well and has regained a lot of her and I have found it hard to support her the forward to the time when the stigma and Champion in June Following Daniel’s lead, his team- energy, enjoying her new husband and way a big brother should, especially liv- shame of having mental illness will no 2008 mates support his cause—the Sens baby. ing in Canada while she’s still in Sweden. longer keep someone from getting help.” ■■Strives to Foundation has made a major donation. While Daniel is happy to help, he Being involved in this public campaign, Daniel says he is encouraged about the erase the stigma His father is sometimes seen wearing a reminds people that while he might and showing her publicly that I support success of the “You Know Who I Am” cam- associated with “You Know Who I Am” ball cap. And in get more publicity, everyone knows her, is important. I am not ashamed of her paign. “I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to mental illness by a telling comment, Alfredsson hints at someone who has encountered mental having a mental illness.” reach a lot of people so far. We have strong opening and the deeper source of his impulse to help. illness and they can all join the cause. momentum and it seems like every day encouraging “Dad loves hockey but he takes real As he says in his speeches, “I’m Dan- Confronting the issue more and more people are joining the con- conversation pride in his kids being good people and iel Alfredsson. You know who I am. Are Alfredsson is frank when he admits that versation about mental health. We are def- between sufferers doing what they can to help others.” you with me?” having mental illness in a family can initely starting to break down the stigma and supporters be frustrating largely because a way to but we still have a long way to go. Nobody A step toward the light VITO CUPOLI help is not always obvious—but getting is made to feel shame because they have Daniel spent time with his sister [email protected]

QUESTION & ANSWER

Q & a: how to detect depression in children HeLp uS

■■What are the signs? How can parents tell if their children are Make canada depressed? Watch for any changes in friendships and activities, persistent negative talk and tHe HeaLtHIeSt spending too much time alone. Drugs, drinking and smoking can mean they’re trying to escape what they’re experi- encing right now. Yes children have pLace on eartH

Dr. K. Kellie Leitch bad days but if it’s 20 bad days in a row, O. Ont, MD, MBA, FRCS(C) we need to fi gure out what’s going on.

“One in fi ve ■■Who should be watching for these for kIdS children will problems in kids? Anyone who spends time with chil- develop a dren and adolescents needs to be aware to GroW up. mental health of the signs that a child is struggling mentally. This can include teachers, issue.” coaches, tutors, doctors.

■■What should someone do if they suspect a child has a mental Many health disorders develop at problem? different points in life. First, don’t be timid. If I were a parent and someone said to me, ‘I have a con- For instance, arthritis is not a condition cern about your child,’ I’d want to know of the young, and the croup is not a condi- as opposed to being upset because tion of the elderly. But mental illness has somebody has made an observation. no respect for age. According to Dr. Kellie Leitch, 80 percent of all psychiatric disor- ■■How can parents support their chil- • ders fi rst emerge during adolescence. Injury preventI on HeaLt H y W e IGHt S dren to avoid or identify problems? Dr. Leith has studied the issue of men- tal health for the federal government Have as open a dialogue with your chil- MentaL H eaLt H • tHe envI ronM ent and has recently launched “The Sand- dren as possible. Have that dialogue all box Project”. It hopes to make Can- the time. And if your child pushes back ada the healthiest place on earth for and doesn’t want to talk, be persistent children and adolescents to grow up. until they open up.

■■How common are mental health ■■Are we moving in the right direc- disorders in children and teens? tion, is there hope on this issue? Widespread. One in fi ve children will I’m extremely encouraged that stigma is develop a mental health issue. Of those, being reduced and more children who need only one in fi ve has access to care. And care care are being identifi ed early. is so important because for those who do Get InvoLved at tHe get timely help; 70 percent go on to live VITO CUPOLI healthy normal lives. [email protected] Sandboxproject.ca

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CLIENT Sandbox FILE NAME SBOX1001_Post CREATED 06/12/10 MAC ARTIST Rubene CREATIVE Rubene/Phil ACCOUNT Whitney PROJECT MANAGER Lee TRIM 5.31 x 10.65 SAFETY n/a BLEED n/a PUBLICATION National Post

COLOUR CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK INSERTION December 10 ADDITIONAL PUBLICATIONS n/a INFO This is the ENGLISH version. AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt deCeMbeR 2010 · 5

InsPIRaTIOn TIP 2

RECOGNIZE WHEN IT IS TIME canada Post makes special TO SEEK HELP delivery to a charitable cause Four years ago when in the process of helping the addicted, keeping their commitments.” leading the charge Canada Post asked its says Glen Barnes, President of the Roche points out that every orga- employees to suggest a Centre. “The ACC counsellor’s role is nization has a stake in the mental charitable cause to focus to make sure that between discharge health of its workers. Healthy on, the Posties chose men- and getting into the aftercare sys- employees are more productive tal health and mental illness, tem that you’ve got someone watch- and less costly in terms of absen- which are growing in aware- ing your back and being in your face. teeism and insurance. They’re hap- ness from coast to coast. Counsellors are aware of the risks and pier too and that can make a huge hazards that this particular adoles- difference in all of their activities, James Roche, Chairman of the Canada cent will face, and can help them to work, and home. Post Foundation for Mental Health, maintain a state of abstinence.” Stud- thinks he knows why this particular ies fi nd this kind of front line position focus became the company’s cause of can increase abstinence up to 42 per- choice: “It’s something that touches cent for troubled young people. all of us. There isn’t anybody that STAMPING OUT MENTALL ILLNESS Workman Arts receives $65,000 from doesn’t have a relative or close friend A personal connection VITO CUPOLI Canada Post’s charitable initiative. who has suff ered or who knows some- Roche remembers this particu- [email protected] PHOTO: CANADA POST one who has suff ered from mental ill- lar grant and he says it ness.” illustrates the magic With employees leading the fund- of what Canada Post raising, the Canada Post Foundation employees are doing has already distributed more than $2.5 for their communi- million to community organizations ties. “The cheque for that support those aff ected. Funds are the Dave Smith Centre raised through the sale of a special was presented at the fundraising stamp, an employee pay- postal station in Ottawa roll deduction program and customer which raised the most support. Funds from the company’s money during the fall latest campaign, expected to be an campaign. The employ- additional $2 million, will be distrib- ees were able to see for uted in 2011. themselves what this The grants make a real diff erence money meant to the in the quality and range of front-line organization and it services these organizations off er and really makes a differ- that support is crucial. For instance, a ence and they feel con- grant might be awarded to fund a new nected. In three years a mental health counsellor position but very strong connection not a new building. The more commu- has developed between nity based the better says Roche. fundraising and the employees. Now they An assertive difference own it.” A fi rst time recipient this year was the As for next year, Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, Barnes plans to apply a residence for boys and girls strug- for a second grant. “The gling with alcohol and drug addiction. more assertive care It received a $65,000 grant, enough counsellors I can put to hire an Assertive Continuing Care on the road, the fewer Counsellor. There was no other way excuses these adoles- to pay for a new ACCC, a vital position cents will have for not

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CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING REPORTS! 6 · deCeMbeR 2010 AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt PanEl OF EXPERTs

Dr. Reinhard Michael Joan Edwards Karmazyn Dr. Mary V. Seeman Krausz MD , PhD, FRCPC National Executive Director, OC MDCM DSc, Member, CCSA’s Scientifi c National Network for Mental Psychiatrist and Chief Advisory Council Health Medical Offi cer, Clera Inc.

Question 1: The signs/symptoms may be diff erent The key component is when that pervasive Unhappiness is an emotional state we depending on the person. For some people, feeling of sadness, unhappiness or “the blues” all recognize. We experience it often, and What are the recognizable depression is marked with signifi cant behav- persist and exists most days for a period of two it passes. Depression is when that feeling signs and symptoms when ioural changes, such as spending all day sit- weeks. Some recognizable signs are: doesn’t go away, when it is naggingly there unhappiness turns into ting alone in a dark room, neglecting hygiene ■■Is your mood interfering with your personal from morning to night. Depression is when and personal appearance, and not commu- relationships or your job performance? we not only feel unhappy but when we lose depression? nicating with friends and family. For others interest in food, when sleep won’t come, ■■Have these feelings lasted for longer than there are also physical symptoms such as when we feel physically tired, when our two weeks? chronic pain and insomnia. In all cases, peo- ■■ bodies ache and nothing functions properly. ple should seek expert help; however, imme- Is your stress from a single, identifi ed stress Depression is when the ones we love can’t diate attention is critical if a person starts (example: serious illness of child) that does not bring us comfort, when the world seems drab. talking about suicide, death and dying. have or appear to have a clear end in sight? Nothing is worth the eff ort. ■■Are you beginning to feel worthless or guilty about the situation? ■■Is the stress not allowing you to fi nd happi- ness, satisfaction and calmness in other part of your life? Question 2: The best way to reach out for help is to Depression drains your energy, hope and The first and hardest thing is to recognize talk to someone you trust, such as a family drive, making it diffi cult to do what you need one’s own depression, not to ignore it, not to What is the best way to reach member, physician or teacher. It’s important to feel better. You can make a huge dent in your deny it, but to identify it. That itself brings out for help? What are the best to listen to yourself and take your concerns depression with simple lifestyle changes: comfort because the shadow inside is now treatment options? seriously. Make plans to talk to a exercising every day, avoiding the urge to iso- something you can name. Talk about it with mental health professional or contact a local late, challenging the negative voices in your those closest to you. Talk about it with your helpline. If you are in crisis—contemplat- head, eating healthy food instead of the junk doctor. Draw up a plan, which can include ing suicide or feeling all hope is lost—talk to you crave, and carving out time for rest and exercise, a change in your sleep habits, a someone immediately and get the help you relaxation. Feeling better takes time, but you change in what you eat and drink, medica- need. The best treatment approach is one that can get there if you make positive choices for tion, behavioural changes, changes in the is tailored to your unique needs. yourself each day and draw on the support of way you habitually think. others. The thought of reaching out to even close family members and friends can seem overwhelming. You may feel ashamed, too exhausted to talk, or guilty for neglecting the relationship. Remind yourself that this is the depression talking. Your loved ones care about you and want to help.

Question 3: An important step is to open the lines of Mental illness and addiction is a strange, Urge the person to seek treatment. If they communication. Be honest and share your alien presence that exacts its toll on both won’t, fi nd out why.They may be ashamed, What can you do if you think concerns with the person directly. Other fam- those suff ering and friends and loved ones. think they should do it on their own, think someone close to you is ily members or persons of trust could provide Those suff ering may refuse to attend Alco- it won’t work, don’t want to be medicated, or su ering from a mental illness their perspective and validate your observa- holics Anonymous groups, relapse, and start have heard that treatments have side eff ects. tions. If professional help is necessary, fi nd drinking more than ever. The depressed or One option people don’t often consider is a or addiction problem? a familiar person—like a family physician, bipolar individual stops taking medications medication study. The advantages are that teacher or counsellor—to provide additional and cancels appointments with the thera- studies are immediately accessible, brief, led support and discuss treatment options. Rec- pist. When you as a loved one had hoped fer- by experts. And they help advance medical ognize that getting help may require time vently that they were fi nally on the road to a science - something to feel good about. and eff ort to build trusting relationships healthy relationship, the bottom falls out. If between the person in need and the individu- you fi nd yourself in the caretaker role for a als involved. person with a mental illness whose condition seems to be steadily deteriorating and you’re at a loss about what to do next, it’s likely that at some point you will need counselling for yourself. AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt AN iNdepeNdeNt SUppLeMeNt by MediApLANet tO tHe NAtiONAL pOSt deCeMbeR 2010 · 7

PanEl OF EXPERTs nEWs TIP/STEPTIP 3

RECOVERY IS NOT A ONE- SIZE-FITS-ALL DON’T MISS! APPROACH Karen Liberman Executive Director, Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

busting the depression myths

About eight percent of adult Canadians will experience a major depression at some point in their lives.

That’s nearly three million people. Compare that with diabetes, a well- known chronic illness, which the latest statistics show aff ects nearly two million Canadians. Despite how widespread depres- sion is, it remains a silent illness. Rarely talked about in public, many people living with depression are left to suff er alone. The stigma that surrounds depression sadly means that many people do not get the treatment they need.

Fighting with knowledge But, what feeds the continuing stigma? How can we stop it? We can start by talking openly about the myths of depression and fi ghting Depression medication: there are options them with the facts. Myth 1: Having depression is Dr. Hyla Cass the 5-Hydroxytryptophan, known deep sleep, a range of other condi- out of balance,” she says. “So we need a sign of weakness. psychiatrist, private Clinical practice in as 5-HTP. It’s a naturally occurring tions can arise due to low serotonin to be able to read the signals and inter- Fact: Depression is a pacifi c palisades, amino-acid which leads to more sero- levels, including migraines, irritabil- pret the results. If the interpretation diagnosable and treatable CA; integrative medical practitioner; tonin. ity and PMS. Cass has one patient who is low serotonin, why not give 5-HTP medical illness, just like diabe- Author; Consultant “5-HTP interacts with the whole says, “If I fi nd myself snapping at my because then you’re providing what tes, and is caused by a number of of our neurotransmitter system husband, I realize I forgot to take my the body is asking for? It’s not asking factors, including genetic which is very much like a symphony 5-HTP today. Women suff ering from for the drugs and their side eff ects.” predisposition, stress and brain In the search for mental health orchestra,” says Cass. 5-HTP is safely PMS really appreciate 5-HTP and so do To help it work best, patients using chemistry. It is not a character fl aw! and wellness, there is not a extracted from Griff onia, an African their male partners.” 5-HTP should also take a multi-vita- one-size fits all approach to herb. It works by enabling serotonin So how does it perform? Cass says min, which Cass says provides the greater happiness. development in the brain, but it does when used for mild or moderate essential elements needed in the Myth 2: Children and young so in balance with other brain acids, depression, studies show 5-HTP works serotonin building process. But she people don’t get depression. The options include anti-depressant Cass says. “If you had all serotonin, better than drugs. In severe depres- also warns that anyone taking SSRI Fact: One in every fi ve young medications such as SSRIs, which boost you would be calm and mellow and sion, drugs can be more eff ective—but medications for depression should people has a diagnosable mood the level of serotonin in the brain. Sero- you wouldn’t get anything done. So not always. not use 5-HTP as well without doctor disorder, which includes depres- tonin is a hormone and increasing it you need some dopamine to get things supervision. sion, anxiety and bipolar disorder. very often improves a person’s mood. For done. But if you were getting dopa- Connecting with chemistry Cass, who was educated in Toronto Currently, two-thirds of young some, the side eff ects of SSRI treatment, mine all the time and it wasn’t bal- Given the lack of side eff ects when but practices in Los Angeles, urges people do not get the help they including weight gain, nausea and loss of anced off , you would be too focused,” compared with medication, Cass medical schools to teach more about need. Early symptoms of depression libido, are severe and off -putting. she explains. “You need checks and always tries the natural route before non-drug therapies. She believes if often appear between the ages of 14 But there are other safe ways to balances. The brain is pretty miracu- turning to drugs. “If you can work students were taught more about and 15. get serotonin. Drugs aren`t the only lous, we just need to feed and water it with the body’s natural chemistry, nutrition supplements, their future source. When her patients need a properly.” you are going to supply what the body patients would benefi t. boost, says psychiatrist Dr. Hyla Cass, is asking for. I don’t see PMS depres- Myth 3: Only certain types of most prefer natural remedies to help Staying balanced sion as drug defi ciency. They’re symp- VITO CUPOLI people get diagnosed with elevate mood. She recommends Aside from depression and lack of toms; the body is saying something is [email protected] depression. Fact: Depression doesn’t dis- criminate. It affects people from all cultural, economic, reli- gious and ethnic backgrounds. Depression aff ects all of us.

Mentally healthy Myth 4: People with depres- sion are not good employees. Fact: A person with depression can be anything—an entrepre- employees improve neur, a politician, a health profes- sional, a teacher—and be very good at it. People with depression are working in your community, mak- ing positive contributions every the bottom line day. SHOWCASE Measuring the impact how workplace mental health (or their responsibilities? What are These studies demonstrate the illness) contributes to these indi- the costs to productivity due to Myth 5: There’s no hope for ■■Question: What hidden issue is opportunity to save billions of dol- cators and how the many other stress, lack of communication or people with depression to costing the Canadian economy $51 lars each year. Yet, little is being impacts of poor mental health that a psychologically unsafe work get better. billion a year? done to address the situation. Part go unmeasured affect the bottom environment? Fact: There is no cure for depres- ■■Answer: Lost productivity due to of the problem may be in under- line. For example, what is the cost sion, but recovery is possible. undiagnosed and untreated mental standing what to do. We measure to a business of lost productivity to Negative feelings on the rise Eighty to 90 percent of people with illness or stress is making an impact productivity, worker retention, what is now called “presenteeism”; A recent survey by Desjardins major depression are successfully in offi ces across the country. absenteeism and health benefit employees who may be at work but Financial Security on workplace treated. Early intervention is key. costs. What we don’t analyze is not able to effectively discharge wellness notes that 29 percent of The earlier that people are treated Every day 500,000 Canadians respondents say they feel more for depression, the more likely they are absent from work due to TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS stressed than they did a year ago. are to recover. mental health problems. A cause of unhealthy workplaces The Canadian Mental Health Make sure the whole leadership is the coupling of high effort and Finally, one very important myth Association, Ontario Division, team is on board and making That is approximately the same as the low reward with high demand and that needs to be busted: It persists through such programs as Mental action a priority. entire labour force of Regina, Halifax, low control. This is supported by that people who talk about suicide Health Works (www.mentlahealth- ■■Empower your people: Thunder Bay and Sherbrooke calling works.ca) and WorksWell, have the Desjardins survey that found, won’t actually kill themselves. The Engage employees in decision- in sick on the same day. developed considerable experi- “More than one in five workers (22 fact is that when someone talks making. For example managers The cost to employers and insur- ence in workplace issues and percent) say a negative work cli- about wanting to kill themselves, and employees should set reason- ers of short term and long-term leave solutions. Some tips to consider mate is a primary cause of intense they are reaching out for help. Their able timelines together. from work for mental health reasons are: stress at work.” risk of killing themselves is very is over $17.5 billion per year. However, ■■Keep an open ear: high. Don’t ignore it. Get help right this fi gure pales in comparison to a ■■Do your research: Communicate, communicate, com- away. study in 2008 by Dr. Carolyn Dewa that Don’t assume you know the situa- municate. That is not just talking calculated the cost of mental illness to tion; use a well-researched assess- but also listening. ment tool to learn the facts. the Canadian economy at $51 billion Visit Courtesy of the Canadian Mental Health each year. ■■Culture trumps planning: ! www.mentalhealthworks.ca Association