Delta Mental Health

This website is a product of a Capstone Project by Keerat Bhandal. Keerat is a grade 12 student at Delta Secondary School. Keerat hopes to one day have a career in counselling and therapy. The reason for this website is that she wanted to make a website on how to support anyone who has a mental illness. This website is a resource on some of the signs and symptoms of mental illness, how to be there for someone, and to what to look for in a counsellor.

Signs and Symptoms of Struggles with Mental Health

• Long Lasting sadness or irritability 
• High or low moods outside the range of what is “typical”
• Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
• Social withdrawal / isolation
• Dramatic changes in eating and or sleeping habits
• Drug or alcohol abuse

Culture 

• It affects all genders, cultures, in every part of the world.
• Beliefs that are out of the cultural norm could be a sign of mental health or lead to a mental illness
• Different cultures have different understandings about mental health. It is important to understand how someone’s culture views mental health when interpreting what they say
• Religious beliefs can affect how people understand health, and how they talk about it.

Things that can help with mental health

• Medication does not cure mental illnesses but it may help with the management of symptoms
• Physical Exam – A doctor will try to rule out physical problems that could cause symptoms 
• Psychiatric Assessment –  A psychiatrist talks to you about symptoms, thoughts, feelings or behaviour patterns to help come up with a diagnosis, medication recommendations, and a treatment plan. This can also help with accessing various public or private services.
• Counselling and psychotherapy can help make connections and process experiences you’re going through. 
• Arts and Creative Therapies- way of using the arts (music, painting, dance, etc) to express and understand yourself in a therapeutic environment. This is helpful if you have trouble talking about your problems or feelings. 
• Complementary and Alternative Therapies- helpful to manage stress and other common symptoms of mental health. (ie. yoga, meditation, neurofeedback, mindfulness)

How to encourage someone to get help (things to say and things to avoid saying)

• Ask open ended questions, avoid saying “Do you want to get help.” Instead, you can ask, “How can I help?”
• Most people aren’t looking for advice. They want connection. Sometimes just listening and being a friend is the most powerful thing you can do..
• Still ask them to go out – just because they are struggling with things don’t stop inviting them. Instead keep things normal to make them not feel judged.
• Words can encourage them to get help (ie. telling that they deserve to be happy).
• Let them know they can be honest – people struggling may feel that no one will understand so what’s the point.
• If they aren’t fully on board with getting help make sure you ask how you can help,  because it’s a difficult process. Being someone other than a professional to talk to first may help.
• Don’t force or pressure help on them. Give them time.
• Watch for symptoms and signs and make suggestions of help when appropriate
• Try to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and model one yourself (ie. exercise, eating, sleeping)

What to look for in a counsellor

• Check if they are a member of one of these three organizations (BCACC, CCPA, CAMFT). If you are seeing a Psychologist make sure they are a part of the College of Psychologists of BC
• Feel free to ask any questions to make you feel more assured that they are qualified and can provide you and your needs. Counselling is a two-person process. A few examples:
  • Where did you get your training? What were your undergraduate and graduate degrees in?
  • Where were your practicum / internship placements?
  • What professional training have you completed after graduating?
  • Do you currently have a Clinical Supervisor? If not, why not?
  • What is your experience in professional practice? What settings have you worked in (Hospitals, Outpatient Clinics, Private Practice, Other)?
  • What experience do you have working with the issues I am dealing with? How long do you think it will take to see change?
  • What made you decide to become a counsellor and what are you passionate about in your work?

 

Are you looking for help for yourself or a friend? Check out the resources below (in alphabetical order):

Alongside You  

4840 Delta St
Suite 203
Delta, BC V4K 2T6
(604) 283-7827
Website

Boys and Girls Club 

4727 Arthur Dr
Delta, BC V4K 2X5
(604) 946-2027

Canadian Mental Health Association

4871 Delta St
Delta, BC V4K 2T9
(604) 943-1878

Child and Youth Mental Health

Delta North Office
200-11861 88th Avenue
Delta, BC V4C 3C6
(604) 501-3237

Delta South Office
220-5000 Bridge St
Delta, BC V4K 2K4
604-940-7900

Website

Deltassist

North Delta Office
9097 120 Street
Delta, BC V4C 6R7
(604) 594-3455

South Delta Office
202-5000 Bridge St
Delta, BC
(604) 946-9526

Website

Dan’s Legacy

816 20th St
New Westminster, BC V3M 4W6
(604) 525-1204
Website

We hope this page serves as a helpful source of information on mental health and places to get help. If you or a loved one is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Asking for help shows strength. We are stronger together.