Newfoundland and Labrador Government

Mental Health and Addictions Guide

Mental health is a subject that affects us either directly or indirectly. During our lives, it is very likely that we will be faced with mental health issues or that we know someone close to us who will be. In fact, in Canada:

• 1 out of 5 people will experience a mental health problem over the course of a year*
• 1 out of 3 people will have a mental health problem during their life*

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a “state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” It is therefore a state of well-being, whether physical, mental or social, which is not defined solely by an absence of disease or disability; in this way, mental health encompasses not only well-being, but also the prevention of mental health issues, the treatment of those issues as well as the rehabilitation of people who encounter these issues.

In many cases, people who have mental health problems internalize stigmas and the discrimination that accompanies them. In order to put the stereotypes and ignorance to rest, the Réseau santé de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador (RSFTNL) created a Mental Health and Addictions Guide.

*"The human face of mental health and mental illness in Canada, 2006", Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada

Guide - Santé mentale (3.88 Mb)

Adopted from the Réseau Santé - Nova Scotia to the realities of Newfoundland and Labrador, it allows you to gain access to information and resources in French. Also, the creation of this guide was made possible thanks to the financial contribution of Health Canada as well as the Société Santé in French.

Download and refer to the digital version of the Mental Health and Addictions Guide on this page.

Together, we can create safer communities who are concerned about the well-being of everyone.