Point Edward, ON - A mental health profile of Lambton County, released today by Lambton Public Health, found that 7 of 10 residents describe their mental health as 'excellent' or 'very good'.
The report, Mental Health Profile Lambton County 2018, offers a comprehensive overview of mental health and mental illness in Lambton, and the opportunity to inform community discussion, engagement and action for better mental health.
"Information in the report paints a picture of a mostly resilient, mentally healthy community; however, as with other communities, we have pockets of vulnerability," says Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton Medical Officer of Health. "There is more work to be done to improve and maintain positive mental health for all Lambton residents."
The report, released to mark Mental Health Week across Canada (May 7-13), is available online at www.mindsconnected.ca.
At a glance:
- 1 in 5 Lambton adults report ever being diagnosed with a mental health condition.
- Young adults, people living in low-income households, and people with chronic illnesses are less likely to report good mental health.
- Emergency department visits for mental illness are highest among youth ages 15-24 years.
Top three stressors for school-aged children include:
- school-related stressors (52%)
- parents and family (28%)
- friends and 'fitting in' (12%)
1 in 5 employed residents feel their workplace does not promote positive mental health.
Alan Stevenson, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent Branch, says the launch of the report, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Mental Health Association, "will help us and all residents of Lambton County achieve our vision of Mentally Healthy People in a Healthy Society."
"We applaud the leadership of Lambton Public Health for this important work, and look forward to working with them, and all of our partners, to create a plan to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of all residents and communities across Lambton.”
The report utilized information from national and local surveys, health-care services, community partners, and residents. It offers clues about how our system is working and what needs improvement. This report focused on specific settings, including hospitals, schools, workplaces, the justice system and primary care.
For more information, contact Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839.
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Please contact:
Dr. Sudit Ranade
Medical Officer of Health
County of Lambton
519-383-8331 ext. 3509
Email Dr. Sudit Ranade