World Mental Health Day
A weight you cannot see
On any given day, someone you know is carrying a weight you cannot see. Maybe it is a coworker who has been quieter than usual, a friend who keeps canceling plans, or even you, lying awake at night with thoughts that will not settle. As World Mental Health Day approaches, we are reminded that these struggles are not rare, and they are not a sign of weakness. They are part of the human experience, deserving of compassion, understanding, and care.
Mental health can be understood as an individual’s overall:
- emotional,
- psychological
- social well-being.
Emotional well-being can be described as:
- the ability to understand, accept and manage feelings
- handle the stresses of life
- maintain positive relationships
- hold on to a sense of purpose and meaning
These two elements go hand in hand, reflecting a person’s ability to cope, adapt, learn, grow, and ultimately reach their potential. They influence how we feel, think, act, and respond to life’s challenges. Good mental health and well-being are essential to how a person is able to participate in society. Allowing a person to recognize their own unique value, both as an individual and as part of a community.
In any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and substance use concerns than any other age group. By the time Canadians reach the age of 40, one in two will have had or currently live with a mental illness. These numbers show that mental and emotional health affect every level of society and every age group.
Because mental health struggles are not always visible, it is important to be aware of potential warning signs.
These can include:
- changes in sleep or appetite
- decline in personal care
- sudden shifts in mood or ongoing low mood
- increased irritability
- withdrawal from social life
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- difficulty managing body pains
- a noticeable drop in functioning at school or work
- trouble performing familiar tasks
- problems with concentration, memory, or logical thought
- heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, or touch
- loss of motivation
- a vague feeling of disconnect from oneself or surroundings
- persistent anxiety or nervousness.
Research shows that early intervention leads to better outcomes. By educating ourselves about the signs of mental illness, we are better positioned to recognize struggles in ourselves and in others, and to step in with support before challenges deepen. Many people, however, believe their symptoms are just part of life, or they avoid seeking help because of stigma, shame, or fear. The truth is that there is no shame in seeking support. Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous and powerful steps a person can take. And when we notice someone else struggling, even the simplest act of asking how they are doing or letting them know support is available can serve as the light that guides them out of a very dark time.
World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health is not a private battle fought in silence, but a shared reality that touches us all. Awareness is only the beginning. What matters most is the compassion we extend to ourselves and others, the courage we show in reaching out for support, and the connections we build to remind one another that no one has to face the weight of these challenges alone.
-Oladipo Olatona, Support Approach Consultant
Mental Health Resources in Calgary and Alberta
- Distress Centre Calgary – Free, 24/7 crisis support by phone, text, or chat at 403-266-HELP (4357). Includes the Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8 and ConnecTeen 403-264-TEEN (8336) for youth.
- Recovery Alberta – 24/7 support for mental health and addiction. Call 1-877-303-2642 for mental health or 1-866-332-2322 for addiction.
- Emergency & Urgent Care – In-person crisis care for mental health and addiction emergencies is available at local Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centres. Visit the Alberta Health Services “Emergency Department Wait Times” page to locate a centre near you.
- 2-1-1 – Access community resource information, or call 403-266-HELP (4357) for 24/7 support.
- Access Mental Health – Free service for Calgarians of all ages, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 403-943-1500. No referral needed.
- Community Connect YYC – Affordable, barrier-free counselling with 24/7 online booking and no waitlists. Sessions available in person, by phone, or online.
- myHealth Alberta – A directory of important phone numbers and resources.
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