Mental Health Week

May 4 through 10 marks Mental Health Week, sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association, which aims to bring greater awareness to our well-being.

This year, the Mental Health Week is highlighting the importance of communication in difficult times; how reaching out to someone else can be of great benefit when you’re struggling with your mental health, and how it’s a good idea to be open and not just say “I’m fine” when you’re really struggling, frustrated, or upset. This is especially important during these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether we have a mental illness or not, everyone benefits from mental health support at home, at work, and in our communities. We all can achieve a state of well-being. With this week in mind, here are some helpful tips for boosting your mental health:

Find your sense of purpose in life. A strong sense of purpose helps to give your life meaning and direction. Yours may come from varied sources—your work, your family and friends, your faith, or your volunteer work—or anything that you find rewarding and enables you to make a contribution.

Find the humour in everyday life. Watch a funny TV show or connect with a loved one who makes you laugh. Research shows that humour helps relieve anxiety and improves mood.

Seek out supportive relationships. Social support is known to help improve the ability to recover from stress. If you have someone in your life who supports you and makes you feel accepted and valued, make a point of spending quality time together with them.

Balance your work and life. A recent study revealed that a good work-life balance contributes to more satisfaction with work and life and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Meet with your manager to discuss work-related stressors. Read more on achieving balance in your life and work in the article, “Quick Tips for Balancing Family, Work, and You.”

Know when to seek professional help. If depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental health issues are causing serious distress and interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek help. Talk with your doctor, mental health professional, or your organization’s assistance program for guidance and support. When needed, appropriate treatment can help you feel better and get you back to doing the things that matter to you.

Looking for more information on dealing with mental health challenges? See the many resources on the Mental Health page on our website.

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