The importance of promotion and prevention for a population in good mental health!

Home » The importance of promotion and prevention for a population in good mental health!

Can we act before the health of a person – or an entire population – declines and becomes problematic? Whether for physical health problems, such as heart disease, or mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, it is possible, and indeed essential, to act preventatively before the problem emerges. An approach that combines promotion and prevention can significantly reduce the presence and impact of these problems on the population, and it can prevent symptoms from intensifying or taking permanent hold.

This type of approach is based on a global vision of health, which means considering both individual and collective factors (such as social, environmental, political, and economic). Forming the basis of the efforts of the CMHA – Montreal Branch, this approach requires putting a great deal of effort into clear, accurate information and public awareness about mental health.

What do we mean by “mental health”?

Mental health is a person’s state of psychological balance and well-being at a given time.¹ It involves how someone feels, thinks, acts, and interacts with the world around them. Being in good mental health allows us to achieve our potential, handle the normal stressors of life, and contribute to our community.² 

As a result, it is entirely possible for people with a mental health problem (mental disorder or mental illness) to enjoy good mental health, as illustrated in the graphic below.³

The determinants of mental health

Mental health is obviously influenced by individual characteristics, but it is also closely tied to the living environment (family, school, work, housing, and neighbourhood) and to the global context of people’s lives. This is what we mean by the determinants⁴ of mental health, which are the cornerstone of the Association’s efforts.

What does promotion and prevention involve?

Mental health promotion aims to improve individual and collective well-being. Its efforts are focused on determinants of mental health and are based on reinforcing individual and environmental conditions that promote it (protective factors). It targets the general population as well as specific groups. Prevention is meant to reduce the incidence of mental health problems by tackling risk factors. It is intended for the entire population or specific groups exposed to those risk factors.⁵

In either case, it involves efforts:

• That are proactive, which is to say they are intended either to prevent problems from emerging or to promote optimal health, independent of the existence of reported problems.
• That draw on complementary intervention methods: health education, community action, communication, social marketing, organizational change, and political action; these methods are based on proven theoretical foundations.
• With objectives and implementation processes that are shared by psychosocial workers, the populations in question, and public decision makers; multisectoral action among public service institutions is essential.

Mental health is not an individual matter; it’s also a collective responsibility!

All members of society (public decision makers, businesses, community organizations, and citizens) can take action to promote mental health and prevent the incidence of mental health problems. Together, we can act so that our society offers everyone optimal conditions for good mental health, including the following social determinants:⁶

• Accessible, quality education.
• Access to a decent income for everyone.
• Accessible, quality health services, where early intervention holds an appropriate place.
• True gender equality.
• Access to quality housing for everyone.
• Safe schools and workplaces, where violence and bullying are not tolerated.
• Social, economic, and environmental policies that reduce social inequalities, expand the offer of quality jobs, improve the quality of our environment, and encourage the adoption of healthy habits.

A “profitable” investment for society

Economically speaking, a population in good mental health is a collective resource: “The MHCC estimates that the total cost to Canada’s economy incurred by mental health problems and illnesses is currently well over $50 billion annually, or nearly $1,400 for every person living in Canada in 2016.”⁷

“In Canada, studies show that the return on investment [in promotion and prevention interventions in help] ranges from a little over two dollars to four dollars.”⁸ Plus, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, “a significant amount of work is emerging on the effectiveness of mental health promotion and prevention interventions, especially in the area of improving the quality of life.”

Promotion and prevention at the CMHA Montreal Branch

Information and awareness

• CMHA Mental Health Week (annual campaign, first week of May)
• Website and social media
• Information flyers and brochures

Programs, training, symposiums, and conferences

Publications

• Équilibre Magazine (social issues and current issues in mental health)
• Intervention guides (youth, seniors, cultural communities)

Together, let’s make mental health a collective responsibility and resource!

Sources: 

1 Santé et Bien-être social Canada (1988). La santé mentale des Canadiens : vers un juste équilibre. Ottawa : Ministère des Approvisionnements et Services.
2 Association canadienne pour la santé mentale (2014). La santé mentale pour la vie. Toronto : Association canadienne pour la santé mentale.
3 Santé et bien-être social Canada. (1988). La santé mentale des Canadiens : vers un juste équilibre. Ottawa : Santé et bien-être social Canada.
4 Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec. (2012). La santé et ses déterminants : mieux comprendre pour mieux agir. Québec : Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec.
5 Gouvernement du Québec. (1994). Recommandations pour développer et enrichir la Politique de santé mentale. Sainte-Foy : Les publications du Québec.
6 Organisation mondiale de la santé (2017). La santé mentale : renforcer notre action. Repéré à http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs220/fr/
7 Commission de la santé mentale du Canada. (2017). Faire valoir les arguments en faveur des investissements dans le système de santé mentale du Canada à l’aide de considérations économiques. Ottawa : Commission de la santé mentale du Canada.
8 Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (2010). Investir dans la santé globale, c’est rentable. Repéré à http://www.irsst.qc.ca/media/magazines/V23_03/46-47.pdf
9 Roberts, G. et Grimes, K. (2011). Rendement du capital investi. Promotion de la santé mentale et prévention de la maladie mentale. Ottawa : Institut canadien d’information sur la santé.