Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being. It influences our ability to learn, use our strengths to achieve our goals, tackle everyday challenges, and engage with our community and the activities we cherish (1). A mix of social, psychological, and biological factors, such as social isolation, childhood trauma, and genetics, can increase our risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders (1-2). These conditions can reduce quality of life and contribute to disability and premature death (3).
It’s estimated that over one billion people—or to better visualize this, 1 in 7 people—across the world live with a mental health condition (1). As a result of this prevalence and the far-reaching impacts on our lives, it’s critical that we gain a better understanding of some of the most common conditions and risk factors.
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal has developed three interactive e-learning lessons that tackle different topics related to mental health. These include lessons on depression, anxiety disorders, and social isolation (4-6). Click on the links or subheadings below to learn more about each lesson and get started.
1. Depression
In just 35 minutes, this lesson explains what depression is, and helps you explore causes, risk factors for older adults, signs and symptoms to look for, and how the condition is assessed, diagnosed, and treated (4).
In just 35 minutes, this lesson explains what anxiety is, and helps you explore causes of anxiety disorders, subtypes, impacts, how anxiety disorders are assessed, diagnosed, and treated, and questions for your healthcare provider. You can also access a list of education and self-help resources, including information on low-intensity treatments, mobile apps, books and workbooks, and where to find therapist-guided and internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, through the “Resources” tab (5).
In just 20 minutes, this lesson helps you explore myths and facts about social isolation, risk factors for developing it, and a diverse list of what you can do to decrease it—ranging from physical activity to addressing age-related health conditions (e.g., hearing loss, incontinence) (6).
Unsure of where to seek support? Here are some places to start:
- If you're experiencing a crisis and need immediate medical assistance, call 9-1-1.
- Speak with your caregiver.
- Reach out to your healthcare team to discuss what you're feeling and experiencing, as well as potential strategies that you can incorporate or referrals to supports within your community or long-term care setting that address your specific needs.
- The Government of Canada offers links to mental health supports across the country.
- 211, a service accessible through phone, chat, text and website, can help you find and connect with nearby community services (e.g., healthcare, housing, food).
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