Today, on #BellLetsTalkDay, and every day, as COVID-19 continues to affect us all, it is important to take the time to end the stigma and join the conversation on mental health.
In a typical year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or addiction problem - and nearly half of Canadians reported that their mental health worsened during the pandemic, including 7 out of 10 healthcare workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the mental health of Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. For two years now, we have had to respond to unprecedented social disruption, the loss of loved ones, and the concern for the wellbeing of friends and families. It isn’t surprising that so many Canadians are reporting an increase in feelings of stress, sadness and loneliness. Half of all Canadians report that their mental health has gotten worse since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Years ago the WHO made it clear that we must understand: Mental Health is health.
That’s why since 2015 we have made historic investments to support the mental health of Canadians, including:
it’s more important than ever to break down the stigma of mental health and share the virtual mental health resources and tools available to you and your families, such as Wellness Together Canada and the recently launched PocketWell app. We will continue to do whatever it takes to keep people safe and ensure all Canadians have access to the mental health tools and resources they need. We are all in this together.
It’s okay to reach out and ask for help. Confidential, 24-hour mental health services are available to you.
