How to talk about mental health

What are the barriers to seeking help with mental health?

While the pandemic increased mental illnesses, it also helped shift how we talk about mental health and opened conversations. Meghan Markle and other celebrities going public with their own mental health struggles has helped the public conversation. 

Despite how common mental illnesses are and the increased media coverage, many Canadians are still suffering in silence. A survey by Sun Life found that over half of Canadians dealing with mental health issues have not sought help.* Why? For a variety of reasons, you may relate to:

• they feel they don't need medical help,
• they think they can't afford it, or
• they’re too embarrassed to ask for help.

*Source: Sun Life, March 2021 

How can talking about mental health help? 

If you’re dealing with a mental health issue, one of the best things you can do is tell someone. It may be frightening but talking about your issues can help. It can help others too. Simply hearing someone else talk about their own mental health issues can have a lasting impact. 

How can you cope with anxiety? 

Mood and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in Canada. Sun Life found that anxiety tops the list of mental health concerns, followed by stress, depression and addiction. 

Anxiety disorders can make every aspect of your life challenging. Things like meeting deadlines to spending time with friends and family can be hard. But living with anxiety disorders doesn’t have to be debilitating. If you have an anxiety disorder, or know someone who does, help is out there. Even something as simple as deep breathing might help reduce stress and anxiety– even slightly

How can you tell if your teenager is dealing with depression?

Mental illness affects people of all ages. While many conversations around mental health focus on adults, 10 to 20% of Canadian youth have a mental illness.* And Gen Z, (Canadians aged 18 to 23) are more than twice as likely to say they’re experiencing addiction issues

But there’s good news. Identifying a mental illness early can help teens and young adults manage their disorders better. That’s where parents, caregivers and friends can help. A good place to start is learning to recognize the signs of teen depression.

If a child needs immediate help, Kids Help Phone is always available at 1-800-668-6868.

*Source: Canadian Mental Health Association, 2013.

How can you talk about mental health at work?

Talking about your own or someone else’s mental health at work is something you might never dream of doing. But mental illness affects the workplace in measurable and powerful ways. It can:

• lower employee engagement and employee productivity, and
• increase absenteeism.

Managers have an important role to play, but everyone can help foster mental wellness at work. Find some tips to help you start a conversation about mental health with your employer