Mental Health
We all have mental health; our mental health can fluctuate over time ranging from optimal to poor. Optimal mental health is associated with flourishing and well-being. Some of us will also experience symptoms of mental illness in our lifetime. It is important to understand that it is possible to have a mental illness and still maintain good mental health. Refer to the dual-continuum model below.
![A diagram of the four areas of mental health](/sites/default/files/images/Psychology-Dual-continnum_0.png)
The Language of Mental Health & Mental Illness
It is helpful if we can use a common language to talk about mental health and mental illness (see pyramid diagram to the right). Certain words (e.g., Depression, Anxiety) are best reserved for talking about mental disorders or illness, while other words (e.g., upset, sad, worried) can be used when talking about mental distress. Watch this video to hear Dr. Stan Kutcher, psychiatrist and adolescent mental health expert, explain the inter-relationship of mental health states.
![A pyramid with the five levels of mental health](/sites/default/files/images/Psychology-Interrelationship%20of%20mental%20health_1.png)
Looking After Your Mental Health
![A poster with a list of mental health tips](/sites/default/files/images/Psychology-10ways%20Mental%20Health.png)
Click here for tips for good mental health from the heretohelp BC resource.
![Psychology - MH Resources Tab_0.](/sites/default/files/images/Psychology%20-%20MH%20Resources%20Tab_0.png)
Contact
103 Annex
2323 Notre Dame Avenue
Antigonish NS B2G 2W5
Canada