Unmasking Mental Health is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Week, May 5 to 11.
Many people will be able to relate to that theme.
How often do we put up a brave face when asked how we are doing when actually beneath the surface we may be struggling personally.
The Governor General Of Canada, Mary Simon, said the theme reminds us of how important it is to have open and honest conversations about mental well-being.
“During my Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, I have had the opportunity to meet with people who are changing the way we think about mental health,” she said in a statement issued for the week. “They are peer-support workers, addictions counsellors and healers, therapists and leaders who are sharing best practices and finding ways to make things better for people with mental illness. They are making a difference in countless lives across Canada.”
According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health one in five Canadians experience a mental illness.
Young people, ages 15 to 24, are more likely to experience mental illness and or substance use disorders than any other group.
A survey from 2019 found working Canadians to the tune of 75 per cent said they would be reluctant or would refuse to disclose a mental illness to an employee or coworker.
Canadian Mental Health Association reminds us that living with a mental health or substance use challenge is difficult enough but trying to mask it is even more difficult.
We at the Tribune salute everyone who works in mental health and addictions as practitioners, counsellors and first responders. Your efforts are appreciated.
Often people live behind a mask to protect themselves from judgment and discrimination.
Those working in mental health encourage all of us to look beyond the surface and see the whole person.
As we look at others in our community or reflect on how our own minds and hearts are doing, it's important to be kind.
Hopefully the more people feel comfortable about removing their masks the better it will be for everyone.
