From Mental Health Commission of Canada
As the Canadian Mental Health Association reminds us, people often default to “I’m fine” when faced with the question, “How are you?” Mental Health Week is the perfect time to scrap the shorthand and acknowledge how we’re really doing.
Through a Nanos survey last week, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) took the pulse of over 1,000 people in Canada. What we found is that stress levels have doubled since the onset of COVID-19.
These reactions are normal, given the very real preoccupations about financial stability and physical health. But that doesn’t mean we can’t curb our anxiety or reduce our spiking stress. From free virtual crisis training that brings out the importance of caring for ourselves and others, to relevant, helpful resources like regularly-updated fact and tip sheets posted to the MHCC’s Info Hub more resources are available than ever before.
And yet, only about one in five of those surveyed sought out mental health information online. If we don’t change our mindset and put our mental health first now, we’re at risk of jeopardizing it in the long term.
This week, if you aren’t “fine,” take a moment to find out how you could be doing a bit better. And when someone tells you that they’re “just fine” take a moment to ask them how they’re really doing. Making time for meaningful connection is one of the best things we can do to preserve our mental health — and helping someone else is proven to bolster our own wellness.
Reach out to someone in need, ask for help yourself, and take advantage of credible, free, online mental health information and advice.
Louise Bradley
President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Contact
Media Relations
Mental Health Commission of Canada
613-683-3748 / media@mentalhealthcommission.ca
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