Get loud for Mental Health Week
Started by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in 1951, Mental Health Week is now in its 66th year! It’s an opportunity not only to reflect on your mental health, but to listen, learn, and have conversations about mental health issues.
Why is mental health important?
Mental health allows us to realize our full potential, cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to our communities.
Having positive mental health doesn’t just mean the absence of disease. A person can be living with a mental illness and still have positive mental health. Someone without a mental illness can also have poor mental health.
How can I improve my mental health?
Just like with physical health, having mental health requires effort. Talk to your health care provider if you are experiencing challenges with your mental health.
To maintain or improve your mental health, you can:
- Connect with others
- Get physically active
- Get enough sleep
- Develop coping skills
Services available for you
If you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to hospital emergency right away. You can call Mental Health Emergency Services in Vancouver at (604) 875 -8289 or in Richmond at (604) 244 – 5562.
If it’s not an emergency, there are many resources available to VCH staff members for help with mental health issues.
- EFAP is an off-site, confidential, voluntary, short-term counselling service for VCH staff.
- Mind Health BC provides trusted online information, self-help programs, and support groups.
- VCH provides a range of mental health services in the hospital, community, the home, and in partnership with community organizations. Read about the mental health services that VCH offers.
- The Crisis Line Association of BC is also available if you’d like more information or just to talk. It is staffed by trained volunteers who provide emotional support, information and resources. Call (604) 310-6789.
Health and happiness require positive mental health. This May, take the time use your voice to build awareness and provide support for everyone around you and for yourself.