‘No health without mental health,’ Mental Illness Awareness Week kicks off

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — It’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, and the Canadian Mental Health Association hopes the occasion will open up conversations and encourage people to seek help if they need it.

Pamela Findling with the association says mental health is just as important as physical health, and this is especially true right now.

In a survey conducted earlier this year, Findling says around seven in 10 British Columbians reported feeling worried, stressed, lonely, or sad, and that their mental health had declined during the pandemic.

“We’ve seen an increase in referrals to a lot of our services and access to our website,” she said. “We know there’s an increasing demand for mental health services and resources and support.”

DYK? 54% of Canadians say their #MentalHealth has suffered during the pandemic, and 42% believe the pandemic will have a lasting impact on their mental health. We need #MentalHealthParityNow. Read our report here: https://t.co/zmybezxXbF pic.twitter.com/z2nt6lDTzx

— CAMIMH (@CAMIMH_ACMMSM) October 3, 2021

The association believes there is “no health without mental health,” and this week of awareness is to remind people that mental health is part of everyone’s overall wellbeing.

“Mental illness affects all of us, whether it’s us directly, or our friends, or family, or colleagues,” she said. “And often just asking people how they’re doing that day can have a tremendous impact on people.”

Findling says one of the best ways we can support our families and friends, is listening. She adds folks often default to answering the question of how they are doing, with “fine,” even when they’re not.

Related Articles:

• Indigenous-led B.C. services addressing trauma of residential schools get funding boost

• Issues with B.C.’s mental health system highlighted by 16-month wait for consultation

• Mental health tips to help as colder, darker days overlap with COVID-19 pandemic

“One of the things people can do is reframe that question a little bit differently. So even something as simple as saying, ‘How are you doing today?’ changes the tone of that a little bit more.”

She says telling someone that you’ve noticed a change in their behaviour or mood, and following up with curiosity and questions might help to get someone to open up, but always respect someone’s boundaries because they may not be ready to talk.

“Some people aren’t ready to talk to yet and that’s okay. We all go through feelings. Sometimes we feel depressed, or sad, or anxious, and that’s okay,” she said. “It’s when it gets overwhelming, that it’s more of a concern, and it’s time to ask for help.”

Resources and tips for managing mental health can be found through the Canadian Alliance of Mental Illness and Mental Health. If you, or someone you know, is in crisis and needs immediate help, please call 9-1-1.