Each year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is widely recognized all across the globe.
This year, in particular, it is fair to say that people living with mental health conditions are likely to have been impacted even more severely as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
With that said, it is not surprising that mental health issues are on the rise, with existing conditions being heightened as well as new mental health concerns occurring in light of these stressful and uncertain times.
Consequently, it is even more necessary to continue to spread awareness for the mental health conditions that are being experienced by many individuals, as they have continued to live with these concerns for far too long, sometimes without receiving the proper care and compassion they deserve.
Closer to home, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) reports that 1 in 5 Canadians are likely to be affected by mental health conditions each year. As the complexities of the human brain continue to prove to be a challenge when it comes to identifying the combination of factors that can contribute to any one mental health illness, it is fundamentally important to continue to advocate for those with mental health conditions as well as spreading more awareness for the supports that exist across the country.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) seeks to do just that. Through various online resources and tools, CMHA provides direct access to information to educate and encourage individuals to seek out supports for themselves and their loved ones.
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing mental health issues, there are resources and services in place to assist you. Brought to you by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA), the Mental Health Meter Questionnaire is available to help individuals identify if they are struggling with mental health concerns. You can access this questionnaire by clicking here.
It is also necessary to note that this resource is not a full substitute for seeking out medical intervention. While using this tool can be an important first step towards acquiring the support someone might need to manage their mental health, it is also strongly recommended that individuals are overseen by a designated healthcare professional.
Additionally, the CMHA website also provides the public with access to information about programs that offer mental health support in their area. For British Columbia residents, the following site can be a source of assistance in this region:
With the overall goal of World Mental Health Day being to spread understanding and compassion to others, this initiative continues to work towards removing the stigma associated mental illness. In turn, with those experiencing mental health conditions feeling they can access the mental health care they require. To learn more about the World Mental Health Day initiates, goals, as well as online events, you can visit the World Federation for Mental Health’s website by clicking here.
At Annie’s Place, we recognize the importance of both physical and mental well-being. As World Mental Health Day looks to advocate for and ultimately improve the lives of individuals living with mental health issues, home health caregivers also play a vital role in the overall care of those we work with. Please contact us to find out more about the level of support we can provide for you and your family.