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Suicide is a complex and multidimensional health issue that affects Quebec society more than most. Known risk factors are present in several segments of the population

National Mental Health Week, from May 7 to 13, 2012, will kick off an annual mental health promotion campaign. This year’s theme focuses on the important link between sense of security and mental health. Individuals, groups and organizations are invited to mobilize and create activities in their own way.

The 2009-2010 New Brunswick Student Wellness Survey draws an alarming portrait of the student body’s mental health. According to the survey, only 17% of students have a high level of mental fitness (15% of boys and 19% of girls). These rates clearly indicate a need to further develop approaches that aim to improve the mental fitness of youth in our schools.

Since the 90s, school environments have undergone significant changes in view of improving the system’s efficiency (the fight against dropping out and the challenge of student’s success. Youth health has also been targeted through various initiatives such as the “Healthy Schools” approach. Colleges are now also starting to adopt such approaches because, among other reasons, studies show that youth transitioning into adulthood are at increased risk of psychological distress.

Quebec has been experiencing a mini baby boom since 2005, the greatest increase registering in mothers aged 25-39 years. In most cases, it is a first pregnancy and birth.

Now more than ever, parents have access to a host of resources to help them through the pregnancy and prepare for their newborn’s arrival.

Indigenous people of Canada and elsewhere experience severe and systematic disempowerment with devastating health and social impacts. These are reflected in the staggering number of Aboriginal people in long-term care, such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, mental health inpatient and forensic mental health units in the judiciary system.

Depression has long been more readily associated with women because, for some, “real men don’t get depressed”. This belief is addressed in an Australian initiative[1] to battle depression, which reflects an international trend: health promotion campaigns that challenge traditional male norms. Why? For the simple reason that men who are more traditional and rigid in […]

Quebec’s Mental Health Action (MHAP) 2005-2010 proposes a reorganization of mental health services based on hierarchized care. This hierarchization consists of defining the care provided and the clients served by different service providers, as well as the interface management mechanisms between levels of care. Its objective is to improve the efficiency of the care system through better complementarity between service providers and by ensuring an increased continuity of care between them.

The semantics of a word often has an impact on perceptions, ideas and beliefs associated with that word. Unlike physical health, we often think of illness or disorder in connection with mental health. That’s why New Brunswick’s Wellness Strategy uses the term ‘mental fitness’ to promote mental health.

The promotion of physical activity is a top priority in public health. It is now recognized that physical activity improves the overall health of individuals and reduces the risk of several chronic physical illnesses. Studies have recently confirmed the positive impact that physical activity has on mental health. Clinical trials even show the effectiveness of physical activity in the treatment of depression. In terms of mental health promotion and the prevention of common mental disorders among the population in general, the regular practice of physical activity is associated with an improved quality of life and mental well-being, as well as a reduced level of anxiety, depressive symptoms and stress.