As we mark World Mental Health Day and bring Mental Illness Awareness Week to a close this weekend, we reflect on the importance of having open conversations about mental health. It is never too late to ask for help or to offer a listening ear to someone. Sometimes it can be as simple as checking in on your friends and family or sharing important mental health resources with them.
I have heard perspectives from people across the country and know that when we listen to the voices of people with lived experience, our communities, workplaces, and schools become stronger, more inclusive and effective places for us to live in.
This year's theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," recognizes the perspectives of every person with lived experience of mental health challenges. Their experiences can help deepen our understanding, improve access to services, and drive meaningful change across Canada. Our Government continues to listen to and learn from people with lived experience. Their voices and experiences have helped shape important initiatives in Canada, including the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline and Integrated Youth Services.
Everyone should have access to the mental health services they need, when they need them. If you are struggling with mental health challenges, you are not alone. Taking the first step to seek support is not always easy. Whether you are facing a crisis, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, help is available.
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
- If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline anywhere in Canada, 24/7, for help from a trained responder who will provide safe, bilingual, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive support.
- For youth aged 12-25, Integrated Youth Services offer access to a range of mental health, health and social services in one location. Services are available in many parts of Canada and you can find the closest hub in your area.
- Young people can also reach out for help through Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).
- If you identify as Indigenous, you can choose to call the Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310), available to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering support in English and French, as well as Cree, Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut upon request.
- Visit canada.ca/mental-health for a list of services and supports in your area.
Let's all create opportunities for people with lived experience to be heard and continue working together to improve mental health care for everyone. Because when Canadians are healthy, our country is stronger.
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P.
