Mental Health and Mental Illness – There is a Difference By: Trish Kaplan, CCI (Hon ’ s)
Mental health is an important part of overall health and well - being. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well - being. It affects how we think, feel and act; determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices for our physical well - being. No one is immune. It is important at every
condominiums, where residents may be more closely knit, it may be easier to identify someone who is suffering. That being said, while helping others can benefit our own mental health, it is important to place a little more physical self - care on yourself to get you through the tough times. While it is not the responsibility of directors on a condominium board, the managers or even the contractors who provide services on the property to administer to mental or physical health issues, being alert to someone ’ s struggles and the manner in which we respond to them can have a positive and profound influence. Some will talk about their struggles with others as a coping mechanism. Others will keep it internal which can affect their physical well - being. The overall influence on health and economics is high and will continue to be without the support of us all in any manner we can to ease the pain. We can all support the well - being of family, friends and neighbours by respect, kindness and patience that we show each other. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) shared the following Beneath the surface: Self - care myths and facts Reducing Stigma Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID - 19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - TK
Trish Kaplan , CCI (Hon’s) is the current part- time Administrator for CCI- London and Area Chapter, having served in the position from April 2003 to September 2010. She received the CCI Distinguished Service Award from CCI National in November 2006. Trish was also a Director on the CCI Board from 2010-2015 when she was subsequently returned to the position of Administrator. Trish is a condominium owner, served on the Board of Directors of the condominium she resides in for a time and a retired condominium manager.
stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Struggles in both societal and personal levels can become debilitating which can create a crisis of disabilities we have not seen before. If you, or someone close to you needs assistance, it is important to reach out to the appropriate professionals for help. Too often “ mental health and mental illness ” are interchanged; however, they are not the same. There is a multitude of mental health issues that people struggle with every day. Anxiety, stress, depression, loss, grief, fear and other strong emotions are not diagnosed as mental illness. A person who is diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical and mental health issues. The importance of maintaining good physical health will benefit mental health. Persons who experience long - term medical conditions such as chronic pain are likely to experience mood disorders. Conversely, people with mood
Her experience in the different areas of
condominium continues to be a benefit to the chapter and its members.
disorders are at a higher risk of developing a long - term medical condition.
The pandemic has most definitely shone a light on growing concerns of the current mental health fallout, as well as the long term effects. For those who work within community settings such as
CCI Review 2021/2022 —November 2021 - 10
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