Mental Health
Information and resources on mental health, including different types of providers and the zones of regulation.
What is Mental Health?
Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which means it affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress in our lives, relate to others, and what choices we make. Importantly, mental health is different from mental illness. The presence or absence of a mental illness is not a predictor of mental health; someone without a mental illness could have poor mental health, just as a person with a mental illness could have excellent mental health.
All About...
A Phone or Internet Chat Line
An anonymous phone or chat line is staffed by people who are able to listen to your concerns and provide support. The kind of support available depends on the service, but most phone and chat services are staffed by trained counsellors.
Indigenous Healer
Indigenous healers may or may not be licensed mental health professionals, and may work on or off reserve. Indigenous healers use holistic approaches that focus on the connection with family, community, spirituality, and nature. Traditional healing may include: ceremonies, songs, stories, dances, and prayers; traditional medicines; for example, using sacred remedies such as tobacco, cedar, sweetgrass, and sage; healing circles, talking circles; and connections to Elders, traditional healers, Medicine people and other helpers.
General Practitioner
A General Practitioner is often the first place people go when wanting to access mental health support. Although general practitioners are an excellent resource, their training is primarily in physical health and therefore, they can prescribe medication if it is needed. Most likely, if you are looking for regular support services, they will refer you to other mental health professionals.
Peer Support
Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A peer supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
A Counsellor or Social Worker
A counsellor or social worker is someone who is usually trained in talk-based therapy, where they will listen to you talk and help you to overcome concerns and gain perspective. They can be easier to access in terms of cost and wait times than a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist. However, it should be noted that not all insurance plans cover counsellors and/or social workers.
A Clinical Psychologist
Psychologists are trained in providing support, tools, and practical guidance to people experiencing mental illnesses and typically specialize in a specific area. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counselling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and diagnose and treat mental illness.
A Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, and have an understanding of both mental and physical health, and how they may interact. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medications.
Pastoral Counsellors
Pastoral counsellors are clergy members with training in clinical pastoral education. Beyond providing psychotherapy, pastoral counsellors utilize resources such as prayer, scripture study, and participation in the congregation community to help guide people on their journey toward transcendence, transformation, and greater connection to others.
Psychometrist
Psychometrists administer and score neuropsychological, psychological, personality, and academic tests for patients with mild to severe traumatic brain injury, neurological diseases, psychological health issues, and learning or intellectual disabilities.
Zones of regulation
Zones of regulation
Blue zone
SICK / SAD / TIRED
Green zone
HAPPY / CALM / FOCUSED
Yellow zone
FRUSTRATED / WORRIED / LOSS OF SOME CONTROL
Red zone
ANGRY / DEVASTATED / OUT OF CONTROL
Blue zone
SICK / SAD / TIRED
Green zone
HAPPY / CALM / FOCUSED
Yellow zone
FRUSTRATED / WORRIED / LOSS OF SOME CONTROL
Red zone
ANGRY / DEVASTATED / OUT OF CONTROL
Further Resources
Looking for more information on mental health? Here are some key resources from our resource directory.
