Wellness Wednesday - Mental Health Week May 1-7, 2017

Did you know that May 1-7 is Mental Health Week? I didn’t but I think it’s an extremely important topic for everyone to be aware of! We need to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The more we educate ourselves and learn the facts about mental illness the more we can eliminate this stigma and start supporting each other! You can find out more about the program through the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) website here!!

Mental Health is a huge issue in our society today. In fact, most of us will struggle with some form of Mental Health issue in our lifetime whether it be depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), eating disorders (like Anorexia, Bulimia or body dysmorphic disorder), ADHD/ADD (Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), bipolar disorder, social anxiety disorder, disassociate identity disorder, misophonia, postpartum depression etc etc etc, the list can really go on and on and on. No one is immune to this struggle! I recently saw a headline in the media reporting that Prince Harry recently opened up about his own mental health struggles after his mother Princess Diana passed away!

If you are struggling with any mental health issue its very important to speak to a health care professional, a family member or friend so they can assist you in getting the help you need. There is no shame in asking for help, you are not weak, in fact, you are very strong for realizing you need additional support.

Not all treatment is a “fix all” for everyone, you might need medication to help regulate your mood, counselling (group or individual), cognitive behavioural therapy or a combination of a few things to get you back on track! Take care of yourself first, if you are not well physically or mentally then you cannot fully look after the needs of those around you. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to look after you well being above and beyond anything else! This is a very hard concept for people to come to terms with but think about it, there is a reason flight attendants tell you to place the oxygen mask over your face first!!

“The very strongest people ask for help. Because none of us can do it alone.”

If you are experiencing any Mental Health issues please call the Mental Health Helpline at: 1-866-531-2600!!

Please stay well and GET LOUD!!

Simply Truly Jenny...