Talking about suicide isn’t easy — the most important conversations rarely are — but as the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide (AQPS) reminds us, talking can save lives. The campaign calls on everyone, from individuals to government bodies, to help put an end to suicide in Quebec and across the country. If you haven’t...
On Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day, it’s time to bust the stigma that discourages men from talking about their mental health and seeking help if problems emerge. While rates of mental illness are comparable between men and women, men are less likely to recognize, talk about, and seek treatment for their illness. Yet, up to...
For some people, the changes in COVID-19 mandates across the country is a source of excitement, giving you something to look forward as you make plans. Others may be feeling overwhelmed, unsure of how to proceed. Either way, self-care should be part of your summer plans. Not just for International Self-Care (July 24) or Self-Care...
September 10th will mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a global commitment to raise awareness of suicide and suicidal behaviours and how we can work together to prevent them. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for us to share messages of hope, resilience, and light. This day reminds us to reflect of the value...
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day we have traditionally observed as Orange Shirt Day — a grass-roots initiative begun by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. As a nation, we are grappling with a collective reckoning. The uncovering of unmarked graves at former residential schools is a tragic reminder of the deliberate, assimilationist...
Each November, the Movember campaign seeks to raise awareness and improve mental and physical health outcomes for men around the world. Some show their support with symbolic moustaches, while others lend their voice to the overdue conversation about men’s mental health. We have long advocated for increased awareness of the unique mental health realities faced...
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. You can learn more about TDOR from GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/tdor Transgender (trans) people face unique stressors, including higher rates of harassment and discrimination, and, as a result,...
The holiday season is a joyous season. There are a lot of opportunities to get together and celebrate with friends and loved ones. It can also be a stressful season, full of events and expectations. With so much going on, it can be easy to lose sight of yourself, letting self-care routines and other healthy...
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – an opportunity to reflect on our growing understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and our need to listen to, and learn from, people living with the disease. Dementia is still clouded by stigma, not unlike that experienced by those living with mental health problems or illnesses. With the right...
Eating disorders have the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness — one in ten will not survive their disorder. Despite this sobering reality, eating disorders are poorly understood, inadequately treated, and underfunded. Many people living with eating disorders never receive a proper diagnosis. Of those who do, many do not have access to...
National AccessAbility Week, held from May 28 to June 3, 2023, is a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and promote efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion in Canada. This year’s theme is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice.” We know that employment plays a key role in the recovery of individuals living with...
