ISSUE #50 cont'd -- HELP

PART I: cont'd

HOW DO I KNOW I NEED HELP?

It might be useful to look at the list below to understand better what is causing our distress, especially if we decide to go to a professional for help. These problems are broken down in the same way the DSM is, based on important parts of our life that may significantly affect our mood and feelings. When these aspects of our life are not going well they can lead us into stress, anxiety or a downward spiral into depression, as well as other symptoms of mental illness.

So take a look and see if any of these things might be causing you distress in your life and maybe think about the effect it’s having on you. Understanding some possible causes may be the first step in determining what you need to do next.

SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WE MIGHT HAVE

Problems we are dealing with now or are unresolved from the past

Problems with our primary support group (family, friends)

-  death of a family member

-  health problems in family

-  removal from home as a child

-  disruption of family by separation, divorce or estrangement

-  remarriage of parent

-  traumatization - sexual or physical abuse, neglect, abandonment

-  parental overprotection

-  inadequate discipline

-  conflict with family members

-  birth of a sibling

Problems in our social environment

-  death or loss of friend

-  inadequate social support

-  living alone

-  difficulty with adjusting to a new culture

-  discrimination

-  adjustment to life-cycle transition – eg retirement, children leave home

Educational problems

-  academic problems e.g., illiteracy, poor grades

-  conflict with teacher and/or classmates

-  inadequate school environment

Occupational problems

-  unemployment

-  loss or threat of loss of job

-  stressful work schedule

-  difficult working conditions

-  job dissatisfaction

-  job change

-  conflict with boss and/or co-workers

Housing problems

-  homelessness

-  inadequate housing

-  unsafe neighbourhood

-  conflict with neighbours or landlord

Financial problems

-  poverty

-  inadequate finances to cover expenses

-  unable to manage money well

-  in debt

Unable to access health care services

-  inadequate services in our area

-  transportation to services unavailable

-  inadequate health insurance

Legal problems

-  victim of crime

-  arrested, incarcerated

-  being sued

Other problems

-  conflict with a counsellor, social worker, doctor ...

-  exposure to disaster, war, or other hostilities