Keyword: prevention

Social marketing: creativity in support of mental health promotion

In Quebec, there are many ad campaigns designed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Of particular note are ads by the Mental Illness Foundation. The campaign Demander de l’aide, c’est fort! by the Centre de prévention du suicide du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean also seeks to shatter the image that asking for help is a sign of weakness, redefining it instead as a sign of strength. This type of innovation is reflected in the Et moi, comment ça va?[1] project recently established by the Centre de prévention du suicide de Québec (CPSQ).

Residential schools: Learning from our mistakes to build a healthier future together

April 2013 marked the passage of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada in Montréal. Established in 2008 following the claims of former Residential School students, the Committee’s purpose is to “turn the page” on past wrongs in order to “build a strong and healthy future”…

The Health and Welfare Commissioner’s 4th report: Lessons learned?

The mission of the Health and Welfare Commissioner is to contribute to improving the health and welfare of the Quebec population through appraisals of the performance achieved by the province’s health and social services system. The Commissioner also makes public information that informs societal debates and government decision-making. In December 2012, the Commissioner released its fourth appraisal report, which examines the performance of Quebec’s mental health system.

Suicidal behaviour and adapted nursing protocols

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

The challenge of an integrated approach

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.

Male depression: an obscure, hidden problem

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 […]

INSPQ model proposal

As part of a scientific review on effective interventions in mental health promotion and mental disorder prevention, the INSPQ (2008) proposes a conceptual model for assessing the relevance of measures that can be implemented to promote health and prevent mental disorders.

Taking action and succeeding together: Effective promotion and prevention practices in Quebec schools

Quebec is committed to disseminating effective promotion and prevention practices in the school context. For over five years, through an intersectoral approach, Healthy Schools, partners in education and health have been asked to work together interdependently and collaboratively to reinforce actions that will support youth throughout their development.

Promotion and prevention programs

Several mental health problems begin at an early age, influencing mental health throughout adulthood. Many experts working in mental health prevention and promotion maintain that school is the best place to implement programs promoting mental health. It is a place where children spend a considerable amount of time, making it easy to reach all children, including those living in vulnerable conditions.

Clear positive effects

The prenatal period and early childhood years set a crucial foundation for an individual’s mental health. Protective and risk factors contribute to making children stronger or more vulnerable in the short, medium or long term, even though they may be subsequently altered by other factors. As a result, these periods are especially favourable for both the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental disorders.