Mental Health Awareness Month is in May but in January there is one special day that started approximately 13 years ago- to create awareness and remove the stigma of Mental Health in Canada. It’s important that this isn’t something that’s just one day or even one month a year but every day: all year. So many Canadians are suffering in silence! 

What is Mental Health- Mental Health is a psychological and emotional state of well-being. To live a healthy life, you need to have good mental health as well. Poor mental health can lead to physical illness, not just mental illness. It affects the way you feel and think. It helps you cope with challenges big or small and enjoy life.

Mental health can be influenced positively or negatively by many factors- 
Life experiences, family situations, Illness/death of loved ones. Relationships with family, friends and coworkers, classmates. The environment you live, work, or go to school in. Your personal physical health.

Taking care of your mental health means knowing and accepting that many things in life can be challenging, that it’s ok to have weaknesses, but acknowledging your strengths as well. Accepting that everyone is different and thinks differently and that’s ok!  Create a sense of meaning within your life- learning and trying new activities, finding a hobby you enjoy. Creating healthy, trusting relationships with people who accept you for you and are supportive.

How being Mentally healthy helps you- Increases your coping skills to face life’s challenges, improves your self-esteem and confidence.

A few Ways to help improve your mental health- Stay positive, be thankful and grateful for the good things in your life, take care of your physical health- it goes hand in hand with your mental health. Stay in touch with family and friends, giving back to the community, and getting outdoors- to fresh air and sunshine!

Getting a restful Sleep, cutting back on social media, strengthening your personal relationships, exercise (move your body in what way you can) Eating nutrient- rich foods, listening to your body and rest when you need to!

Your mental health plays a large role in your quality of life. Making small changes or adding beneficial habits will promote overall wellness.

Everyone’s mental health is important. It needs to be taken care of to make sure you stay healthy overall. Learn about your mental health, how to improve it and the resulting benefits.

The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and their partners.

Calls or texts to 9-8-8 are confidential. No personally identifiable information will be disclosed or shared outside of the 9-8-8 network, except as required or permitted by law, or in cases where emergency intervention is required to support the safety and well-being of the caller or texter, and the safety of others.

Kids Help Phone provides mental health support and crisis services for children and young adults across Canada.

Call: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
Text: CONNECT to 686868 (24/7)

Quebec Residents can also use:
Call: 1-866-APPELLE (I-866-227-3553)
Text:1-855-957-5353

Hope for Wellness Help Line

Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services.
Support is available in English and French and, by request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

To connect with a mental health professional one-on-one:
Call 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868 for youth.
call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 for adults.

You can also visit Wellness Together Canada to access different levels of support, including:

• one-on-one counselling
• credible articles and information
• self-guided courses and programs
• peer support and coaching.

Sources-
For more information: Mental Health Research Canada
For more information: Public Health Agency of Canada
Stop the Stigma of Mental Health Issues and Disorders – Canada.ca

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | CAMH

Habits to Improve Mental Health: 8 You Can Try Today (healthline.com)