Mental health has become a buzzword this year, with people slowing down to look inward and so many others struggling during the pandemic year. What does it mean when we talk about mental health in Southeast Saskatchewan?
Mental health refers to someone’s emotional and psychological well-being. Mental health and physical health are equally important to maintain a well-balanced life, but physical health is often given more attention.
Our mental health can be impacted by stress, worry and negative thoughts as well as differing abilities to deal with these things. When our mental health is not nourished, it can manifest as mental illness. Mental illness can also be brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain or when someone experiences a traumatic event or deals with a major life change.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, “One in five people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. But five in five of us have mental health.”
Stigma surrounding mental health unfortunately still exists. Some in our region hold the opinion that to prioritize and take care of mental well-being is a sign of weakness.
By talking about mental health and illness, we can diminish the stigma surrounding it. If our mental well-being becomes overwhelming and these feelings begin to affect daily functioning, it may be time to seek support. Support can be professional and/or personal; it can be counselling, taking medication prescribed by a doctor or connecting with loved ones.
Taking care of mental health and illness is not an easy task. However, with support and time, we can flex and build our mental health muscles. Finding coping skills and mechanisms that are positive and healthy can move us in the direction from “surviving” to “thriving.”
Here are some ways to help improve mental health on our own during the pandemic:
- Practising gratitude;
- Practising mindfulness;
- Exercising;
- Going outside; and
- Connecting with others.
It can be challenging to find the motivation to try the above examples, but by starting with just one, people can experiment and find the strategy that works best for them.
You are not alone. If you need someone to talk to, contact the Envision Counselling and Support Centre to find out more about our rapid access programs like Walk-In Counselling and Bridging the Distance. These programs accommodate both in-person and telephone needs. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911.
