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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

October 10

What people and organizations are saying about World Mental Health Day 2024

Oct 10, 2024 | 10:12 AM

Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, and thoughts are being shared from around the political sphere.

Provincially, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Dan Williams, reminds Albertans they are not alone when it comes to dealing with mental illness.

“We are making targeted investments to expand mental health services, especially for our youth. This includes significant funding for CASA Mental Health, expanding the Integrated School Support Program, and Kids Help Phone. We are also supporting youth mental health hubs, increasing access to eating disorder treatment, and providing affordable counselling across the province to Albertans of all ages,” he said.

“Take time to strengthen your mental health by building healthy habits and relationships. Spend quality time with family and friends, consider reducing screen time, and increase time spent outdoors or learning a new skill.”

He also notes 211 is an available service in many communities.

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Governor General Mary Simon points out the United Nations chose mental health at work as this year’s theme.

“Bridging the gap between how we view mental versus physical health is critical, and I am proud of the work Canadians are doing to tailor mental health services to their respective work environments,” said Simon.

“We must continue to encourage respectful behaviour across all fields and professions. We must also continue to support colleagues struggling with mental health issues. All workers in Canada deserve a psychologically healthy and safe workplace where they feel supported, engaged and productive.”

According to one study, shared this week by PR firm Peninsula Canada, almost half (46 per cent) of employees reported at least one work-related mental health risk factor.

Prime Minister Trudeau, meantime, took the opportunity to remind that seeking help should cease to be something that is stigmatized.

“Mental health is a critical part of our mandate. Earlier this year, we announced the new Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help community health organizations across the country make sure younger Canadians can access the mental health care they need and deserve,” Trudeau said.

“We are making generational investments in health care, and making sure those investments improve mental health care services. This includes improving Indigenous Peoples’ access to distinctions-based and culturally appropriate mental health services. Last year, we improved access to suicide prevention supports by launching the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – available to Canadians wherever and whenever it’s needed.”

The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat-based support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Meanwhile, seven Canadians were recognized on Parliament Hill this week for their contributions to furthering the conversation on mental health.

The 2024 Champions of Mental Health include:

• The Sharon Johnstone Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth – Serena Habib

• Media – Stephen Hosier

• Workplace Mental Health – Jason Arneson

• Community Organization – Brighter Futures (Roxanne Pottle)

• Community Individual – Elder Noel Milliea

• Parliamentarian – MP Matt Jeneroux

• Innovation – Researcher or Clinician – Fondation CERVO (Maryse Beaulieu)

“These champions are truly and inspiration, reminding us of the collective effort needed to create a mental health system that works for all Canadians,” said Anthony Esposti, co-chair, Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, which was established in 1998.

“Their achievements are a testament to the power of advocacy, and MIAW provides the perfect platform to elevate their stories and reinforce the importance of accessible mental health care.”

A push is also on to ensure that the mental health of firefighters is not forgotten, especially after the work put in to combat devastating wildfires over the summer.

First responders are at four times greater risk of developing symptoms of psychological disorders, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

CMHA’s Resilient Minds program offers tailored training, created by firefighters for firefighters, that equips them with the tools to navigate difficult situations, manage stress, and build resilience in their daily lives.​

For more information,,contact the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Red Deer at 403-342-2266.

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