Mental health illness: Dr. Thomas Ungar answers 5 questions

 

Dr. Thomas Ungar, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director, Mental Health Program, NYGH
Dr. Thomas Ungar

Mental health illnesses affect about 450 million people around the world. It can be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health illness in a friend or loved one. Dr. Thomas Ungar, Chief of Psychiatry and Medical Director, Mental Health Program at North York General Hospital, helps answer 5 questions about mental health illnesses.

1. What are some key signs and symptoms that a friend or loved may be dealing with a mental illness?

Dr. Ungar explains there are many types of mental health illnesses and it all depends on how the brain regulates feelings, thoughts and emotions. Changes in their regular personality or functioning are good warning signs. If a person has changes in their emotions such as “feeling unusually sad for long periods of time, unusually nervous and anxious or unusually happy for more than days or weeks” those are signs to watch out for. Dr. Ungar also talks about unusual thoughts and sensory experiences such as “hearing, smelling and seeing things that aren't there or when a person  experiences thoughts that are unusual such as feeling monitored or overly suspicious.” These are all key things to consider if you think a friend or loved one may be suffering from a mental Illness.


2. What should you do if someone you know appears to have all the key signs and symptoms?

“It's important to know that there is always help available. Approaching your friend or loved one and telling them you are concerned and you've noticed a change in their behaviour is not going to make the situation worse,” explains Dr. Ungar. He also notes that when you are having the discussion, “it's important not to be judgemental or directive.” Asking if they've noticed a change and suggesting they see their family physician is a good place to start.

3. Where can someone who thinks they have a mental illness seek help or find information?

If a person thinks they may have a mental illness, Dr. Ungar says they should start by going to their family physician who will be able to assess the person's needs and share information. While information is available on the Internet, Dr. Ungar cautions people to only rely on credible sources such as universities, hospitals, professional organizations and association websites. 

If urgent care is needed, seek a mobile crisis team intervention or go to an emergency department.

4. What are the most common types of mental illness?

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Dr. Ungar says some of the most common types of mental illnesses are mood disorders such as clinical depression (which the Canadian Safety Council says is expected to rank second only to heart disease as the leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020) and anxiety disorder. Addiction problems are also very common.

5. What types of treatments are available for someone who may have a mental illness?

A broad range of treatments follow the biopsychosocial model of care. Dr. Ungar explains the model consists of biological treatments such as medications like antidepressants. The psychological part includes talk and behavioural therapy and the social aspect looks at things like relationships, housing, employment and finance.

North York General Hospital has emergency intervention and crisis stabilization which typically takes place in the Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency. Our acute inpatient care unit has 50 beds for people of all ages from children to older adults. The Branson Ambulatory Care Centre also offers addiction programs, outpatient groups and peer support groups. Mental health consultation and care is also provided, when needed, to the hospital's many programs and to our family physicians. We also provide outreach to a variety of community partners and agencies. Learn more about NYGH's Mental Health Program.

This article first appeared in the June 2014 issue of The Pulse. 

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