Tag: mental health

The Role of Mental Health in Canadian Criminal Law

Exploring the interplay between mental health and Canadian criminal law presents a challenging and constantly changing scenario. The judicial system acknowledges that individuals struggling with mental health may necessitate a distinct approach compared to those without such issues, focusing on balancing justice and empathy. This article delves into the diverse role mental health plays within the Canadian criminal justice system, spanning from initial arrest to sentencing and rehabilitation. Mental Health As A Contributory Element In Sentencing A crucial aspect of the connection between mental health and Canadian criminal law lies in its influence on sentencing. The courts recognize that mental health difficulties can play a role in criminal activities and, occasionally, act as a contributory element. In determining sentences, judges consider factors such as the accused's mental state during the offense, possible connections between mental health problems and criminal actions, and the overall effect on responsibility. This comprehensive approach seeks to guarantee that sentences are equitable and tailored to individual situations. Diversion Initiatives And Mental Health Courts Acknowledging the distinct requirements of individuals facing mental health difficulties, Canadian criminal law has implemented diversion initiatives and specialized mental health courts. These alternatives strive to steer individuals clear of conventional criminal proceedings and towards programs that tackle the underlying reasons behind their conduct. Mental health courts specifically offer a more healing approach, linking accused persons with mental health resources and support instead of concentrating solely on punitive actions. Challenges In Assessing Mental Fitness Assessing mental fitness is a critical component in determining an individual's culpability and appropriate legal response. However, it poses significant challenges. Mental health assessments often require expertise from forensic psychologists and psychiatrists to provide comprehensive evaluations. The courts must navigate issues of reliability, confidentiality, and the potential stigmatization of the accused. Striking a balance between protecting the rights of the individual and ensuring public safety adds complexity to the process of assessing mental fitness within the Canadian legal system. Cases And The Role Of A Specialized Lawyer Within the broader context of mental health and Canadian criminal law, cases involving child pornography present a unique set of challenges. Accusations of child pornography offenses can be emotionally charged and complex. A specialized child pornography lawyer plays a crucial role in such cases, understanding the sensitivity and gravity of the charges. These lawyers often collaborate with mental health professionals to assess the accused's mental state, addressing underlying issues that may contribute to the alleged behavior. The goal is to ensure a fair legal process while also advocating for appropriate mental health interventions for both the accused and potential victims. Access To Mental Health Treatment For Offenders Recognizing the potential for rehabilitation, Canadian criminal law emphasizes access to mental health treatment for offenders. When mental health concerns are detected, the legal system strives to provide access to suitable treatment and assistance. This could entail collaborating with mental health experts, devising customized rehabilitation programs, and continuous supervision to make sure the individual gets the required care. Ultimately, the goal is to tackle the underlying reasons for criminal actions and encourage successful re-entry into society. The Need For Continued Education And Awareness Though progress has been achieved in recognizing mental health's significance in Canadian criminal law, continuous education and awareness remain crucial. Judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, and the general public need to keep learning about the intricacies of mental health and criminal behavior. This involves identifying symptoms of mental illnesses, comprehending their possible effects on legal procedures, and supporting policies that emphasize the well-being of individuals within the criminal justice system. In conclusion, the relationship between mental health and Canadian criminal law reflects a commitment to a balanced and compassionate legal system. From sentencing considerations and Charter protections to diversion programs and specialized courts, the legal landscape is evolving to address the unique needs of individuals with mental health challenges. By recognizing the importance of mental health in legal proceedings, Canada is taking significant steps toward fostering a system that prioritizes justice, fairness, and rehabilitation. Read Also: 10 healthy Habits to improve your health How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Living Healthily | Six Crucial Lifestyle Tips for College Freshmen

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Health Issues

Men’s Health Issues: What are the Biggest Concerns in 2021?

If you are a man that loves taking care of their cars, gadgets, and hobbies more than you take care of yourself, you are not alone. According to leading medical professionals, the average man suffers from- Lack of awareness, information, and education on health issues Has unhealthy daily work habits that are long and arduous Questionable personal lifestyle tastes and preferences Doctors are also of the opinion that a man is more likely to smoke tobacco and drink alcohol. Additionally, they are far more prone to making dubious decisions and avoid the doctor as much as possible. This is why most men tend to stare at a serious health complication the first time. They keep ignoring the signs and symptoms for a very long time before they seek medical consultation. In this article, we are going to look at the top health concerns for men in 2021. Additionally, we will also shed light on some reasons why men avoid taking care of their health and seeing a medical professional. If you wish to know more, there are numerous great resources available, such as this article. List of 5 Major Health Concerns and Issues for Men in 2021 1. Respiratory Illnesses including Lung Cancer- An innocent cough that starts getting more common, frequent, and repetitive can be your body telling you to stop smoking and see a doctor. What starts as an innocent respiratory concern can quickly spiral into COPD, Lung Cancers, and Bronchitis. According to medical experts, everyone should try to give up smoking. People who have been smoking for more than a decade should get CT scans done once every six months. Smoking is bad for your health and affects your lungs in the worst manner possible. 2. Heart Diseases, Blockages, and Strokes- One of the major causes of heart illnesses in men is poor lifestyle choices. As men, we think that we are tough to live on fast food, drink every other night, and smoke a pack of cigarettes every day. All this can slowly start eating away at your heart health. If data is to believe, one in three adult American males suffers from some form of heart disease. Many mistake pains emanating from the chest as being because of gas build-up or stretched muscles and ligaments in the shoulder. If you are someone that has been asked by their cardiologist to take heart medications, you know that this is not the easiest thing to do. You need to keep taking the medicines throughout your life. Taking so many pills might be difficult especially as far as swallowing is concerned. You can take help from a medication swallowing gel that can help you take the prescribed medications as has been suggested by your doctor. 3. Mental Health Issues- Anxiety, Stresses, and Depression- According to studies, six million American males over the age of 18 suffer from mental health problems. Within this six million, a sizable section also develops suicidal thoughts. Being taboo, men are less likely than women to come up and take help for their mental health. They keep suppressing anxiety, stresses, and worries up until the point that it becomes so pent up that suicide starts looking like the only option. Most experts and help advocacy groups are running strong campaigns to help men with mental issues discuss and talk about it. 4. Development of Type 2 Diabetes- Most doctors agree that diabetes is a lifestyle illness. They say that it is the cumulative result of several factors. This includes- smoking, drinking, less sleep, overthinking, an unhealthy reliance on junk food, and so on. All these together can lead to rising blood sugar levels. Doctors say that rising sugar levels can cause damage to other organs of the body. For example, they can affect kidney functions, heart complications, lower sexual libido, etc. This is why maintaining blood sugar levels with regular monitoring, medicines, and insulin is recommended. 5. Sexual Diseases and Illnesses- If data is to be believed, men account for 76% of all HIV-AIDS cases in America. A gay man who has sex with other men is less likely to use contraceptives as compared to gay women. Additionally, men also have a higher rate of contracting STDs than women. In the last few years, reports also suggest that sexual illnesses like erectile dysfunction and low sperm count are affecting a lot of men. This is partly because of poor mental health and partly because of the fallout of a disease like Diabetes. There is a growing demand for male enhancement supplements in the industry. A lot of men have been able to overcome emotional and psychological issues after they have been able to increase the size of their penises. This non-surgical procedure such as the use of Proextender has also prevented dangers that are routinely associated with such surgeries. Why do most Men Avoid Taking Care of their Health and Seeing a Doctor? In this section, we will try to list down some of the major reasons why men avoid seeing a doctor- One of the major reasons men avoid going to the doctor is ‘fear’. They fear that if they check in with a doctor, they might hear some bad news or outcome. Women are better at hearing bad news and then taking constructive steps towards addressing it. A lot of doctors have also pointed to something known as the ‘superhero syndrome’. Men want to always think of themselves as being the strongest. Illnesses and diseases are often termed as weaknesses and no one wants to appear weak. Lastly, men do not like being vulnerable. When it comes to illnesses, they do not want to feel they need someone to take care of themselves, give them medicines and feed them throughout the day. Vulnerability is something that no man wants to feel. Then there are taboo topics like poor sexual health or mental health complications. Men do not want to exhibit weakness that is truly termed as being patriarchal. This prohibits them from talking about these issues and ultimately leads to poor effects. The Final Word A lot of doctors have gone on record to say that even when men come in for a diagnosis, they are likely to hide or withhold crucial pieces of information. They always want to give the impression that everything is alright and that they do not need any extra medical attention. All these faulty sentiments and feelings are responsible for illnesses breeding themselves in their body to dangerous levels. This leads to major crashes and life-threatening situations. In this article, we have tried to list down some of the major health issues men suffer from in 2021. If you would want us to elaborate on any of the points in the article, let us know in the comments section below. Read Also: Surprisingly Unknown Effects of Sleep Loss Dalhousie, a perfect place to unplug the anxiety of rat race of modern cities Are You Wondering About The Risk Factors For Depression?

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Practical Methods of Tackling Insomnia

Natural and Practical Methods of Tackling Insomnia

Insomnia is a type of disorder experienced by a lot of people. The problems involved in this sleep disorder are difficulty in falling asleep, sleeping restfully throughout the night, and staying asleep for as long as you want to. Insomnia can have some adverse effects on your health because you are not able to get the amount of sleep you need to have energy throughout the day. You cannot function properly and risk getting into accidents on the road if you can’t focus on your driving from lack of sleep. Additionally, it can also lead to anxiety and depression since you are always tired and cannot cope with the normal activities that keep your mind and body healthy. Many factors can cause insomnia like irregular sleeping schedules, neurological issues, pain and sickness, and even medications for certain conditions. While sleeping hours can vary with different people, it is recommended that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Because insomnia can cause serious conditions, steps must be taken to resolve this condition. For a lot of people, water-soluble CBD has been helpful. Here are more natural methods you can try to tackle insomnia: Exercising Without a doubt, exercising improves physical and mental well-being. It keeps you positive, provides energy, helps you maintain your weight, and allows you to sleep better. Exercise can also reduce stress and anxiety that may be causing sleepless nights. Moderate exercise daily for at least 20 minutes is advisable, though you can decide to do something more vigorous during the course of the week. Setting a schedule for exercising each day puts you on the right track and helps you get the sleep your body requires. Essential oils Using essential oils has become more popular in recent years though they were used in ancient times for all sorts of physical conditions. They are all-natural coming from plants and herbs and have healing properties that make them effective. Lavender essential oil, for instance, is known for its calming effect and the way that it promotes good sleep. Whether taken internally or added to a carrier oil for massage, lavender can help relieve tension and induce restful sleep. Steer clear of unhealthy habits Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking in too much caffeine can contribute to insomnia. Smoking is certainly one habit that needs to be avoided completely. Alcohol, in moderation, is not harmful. Just the same, it should be reduced especially if you are already having trouble sleeping. Some people drink to the point of stupor, thinking that it can relieve them from stress and make them sleep. This is not the case, though. The kind of sleep you get from too much alcohol is not restful, and you wake up feeling tired and experiencing headaches and other physical pains. Coffee in moderation is alright. Still, avoid having it at night as it can keep you from sleeping too. Living healthy can help you avoid insomnia. Develop good sleeping habits so that it comes naturally to you. Have a good massage when you are tense and practice meditation and other relaxation techniques to make sleep come easy to you. Read Also: Symptoms and Effects of Co-occurring Disorder on Human Health 5 Mental Health Benefits of Massage Therapy That You Must Know 5 Protein Enriched Food To Improve Mental Health

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Mental Health

6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Most people focus on building their muscles and abs to look good, but having a great body is not the only determinant of having good health. Another determinant is mental health which is often forgotten even though mental disorders are surging at a rapid rate for the past few years. Therefore, we should spend time building the health of our brains, and to facilitate that, we have listed here six practical ways you can employ to boost your mental health. 1. Develop a healthy net of relationships: Humans are made to be social animals, but loneliness has become the norm of modern times.  We mostly have digital voices to talk to like Siri and Bixby. Some reports in the United States have painted an alarming picture that loneliness has the same impact on the lifespan of humans as obesity. Therefore, avoid isolation and prioritize your positive relationships, and even if you do not have any, look for such connections because they will help you in remaining sane in this insane world. 2. Develop the habit of exercising: A growing body of scholarship has found a concrete relationship between exercise and reduction in mental maladies like stress, anxiety, and depression. It is stated that exercise releases 'feel-good hormones' called endorphins, which relieve not only the depression but also improve the quality of sleep. If you find yourself unable to hit the gym, take up some sport like football because it is a more entertaining way of achieving the same set of goals. Although, you are bound to get injured once in a while, but do not let that discourage you.  Also, do not take head injuries lightly and get a Neuroquant MRI immediately if you suffer a traumatic brain injury. 3. Keep challenging yourself: Do not get stagnant in your life, because nothing invites depression and anxiety more than monotony and depression. Therefore, even if you are at a good place in your life, keep setting new goals, and work diligently to achieve them. 4. Pay gratitude for all the things you have: Nothing ruins mental health more than negative thoughts like counting all the bad things in your life and practicing self-pity. Instead, make a gratitude journal and jot down all the small and big things you are grateful for, like a good family, decent health, your own home, a fun job, etc. 5. Watch your sleep: Sleeping is a crucial component of a healthy life, such that people suffering from sleep debt for a while tend to develop several mental disorders. Therefore, ensuring a quality sleep is paramount, but be aware that quality sleep is different from quantity sleep. For example, six hours of relaxing quality sleep are much better than nine hours of restless sleep. 6. Take care of yourself: Take some time for yourself and indulge in relaxing activities like traveling with your best friends, sleeping well, eating healthy, and meditating on the beach. Moreover, indulging in activities like massaging also have multiple mental health benefits like partial relief from stress and anxiety. You only live once; therefore, it is your responsibility to take care of yourself and live a life full of health, wealth, and wit, such that you are not left with any regrets. Read also: When Will Social Media Addiction Be Considered a Mental Health Condition? 5 Mental Health Benefits of Massage Therapy That You Must Know. 5 Protein Enriched Food To Improve Mental Health.

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6 Ways to Promote Healthy Brain

While taking the necessary steps to keep our body toned and in shape, we often neglect the importance of mental health. There are many factors that leave both positive and negative impacts on the mind. Knowing these factors is necessary if you want to promote the health of your brain. Plus, this way you will be able to eradicate those factors from your life that adversely impact the brain and adopt the habits that improve the overall mental health in the long run. Here are some of the effective ways to promote a healthy brain: Keep Your Mind Stimulated : Brain stimulation is necessary for maintaining mental health. You can stimulate your mind by playing games that require mental focus, memory, and activity. Solve mathematical problems, puzzles, and other similar quests. You can also engage in activities that require a lot of focus and imagination like a painting. Develop Relations : Connecting with people is essential for strengthening emotional wellbeing and overall mental health. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with your loved ones and engaging with new people helps you stay composed. Plus, communicating with people with different perspectives help your mind to stimulate and strengthen up. Cut Down on Smoking : As per the latest research, smoking nicotine does not only adversely affect the lungs but also causes a decline in memory. Therefore, if you want to retain your memory in the long run and do not want to end up with dementia, cut down on smoking. Either it is topnotch cannabis or plain cigarettes, avoid their use as much as possible for better mental health. Keep a Positive Approach : Training your mind to be positive and take out a positive stance from every situation helps keep your brain at peace and improves overall physical and mental health. Moreover, staying happy has a very positive impact on the mind itself. When you are happy and positive, the brain releases a hormone called endorphin that promotes mental and physical health and wellbeing. Meditate : Meditation involves steps like breathing techniques that do not only relax the mind but also improve mental focus and memory. It is greatly renowned for its benefits of relieving stress and other mental issues like depression. Learn Something New : If you believe that education is only up to the level of the university, you are probably mistaken. Educating yourself each day is essential for opening up the mind and expanding it. Read a thick book that you have been avoiding lately or learn a language that you think is tough. Test your limits and challenge your mind each day. It will help stimulate your brain and strengthen the nerves inside it. Engage in activities that involve using the brain. Our brain is just like a machine; the more we use it, the better it works without getting rusted. Read More : 1. 5 Mental Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy That You Must Know 2. Health Tips For Hard Working Men 3. Unhealthy And Healthy Solutions For Coping With Stress  

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