I have had a very tough week. I was in immense pain, I cried a lot, I isolated myself, my temper got the better of me. I struggled. My Mental Health struggled. If you or you know someone who suffers from mental illness know it’s ok not to be ok. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure to take care of yourself first. Self-care is so important for everyone’s state of mind and well-being.
Today is #BellLetsTalk Day, a day to open up conversation around mental health and help end the stigma.
What Is Mental Health?*
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness or addiction problem?**
By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have—or have had—a mental illness.**
Here are 5 ways how can you help?
Language Matters-words you use can help or hurt.
Educate yourself-read about facts and myths and help end the stigma.
Be Kind– listen, offer support, let someone know you are there for them.
Listen and ask– take time to listen to someone who is suffering.
Talk about it– break the silence. Talk to someone who is struggling. **
Ways to get help
If you are in crisis, visit your local hospital, call 911 immediately or locate a Crisis Centre in your region.
Kids Help Phone– 1-800-668-6868 www.kidshelpphone.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association-1-833-456-4566 www.cmha.ca
Canadian Coalition for Senior’s Mental Health– 1-289-846-5383 www.ccsmh.ca
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (camh)– 1 800 463-2338. www.camh.ca
Suicide Prevention and Support– 1-833-456-4566 www.crisisservicescanada.ca
Information courtesy of: *mentalhealth.gov, **camh.ca, ***letstalk.bell.ca
