The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). MIAW is about building support and awareness of mental illness. Mental illness, directly and indirectly, affects all of us. Many of us live with a mental illness, or we support a family member or friend. It’s not often talked about in an open way which may lead to stigma. Stigma is when something has negative judgements against it and can get in the way of people getting the support they need and deserve.
With Covid-19, this has been a complicated year for mental wellness for all of us and even harder for many people living with mental illness. Check out our Youth Mental Wellness During Covid-19 book for some tips and activities to help you take care during these different times.
With support, all mental illnesses can be treated, and many people recover or learn skills to feel well. It starts by talking with someone you trust. This could be a family member, teacher, school counsellor or by calling a helpline such as…
Klinic Crisis Line – 1-888-322-3019 or (204) 786-8686 (24 hours)
Provides counselling, support and information for people in crisis or distress.
Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line – 1-877-435-7170 (24 hours)
Counselling/info for people thinking about suicide or affected by another’s thoughts/ attempts of suicide. reasontolive.ca
Manitoba Farm & Rural Support Services – 1-866-367-3276 (10am-9pm, Monday-Friday)
Counselling and support for farm, rural, or northern Manitoba youth. Chat or email available at supportline.ca.
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 (24 hours) and online chat
Canada wide service providing information and support to youth. In Manitoba, they also offer txt message chat by sending the word CONNECT to 686868 or they have a nationwide online chat through kidshelpphone.ca
If you are worried about someone in your life, use this week as an excuse to check in on how they are doing. Maybe share resources like one of the phone lines above or info on Klinic’s Drop-in counselling program. Remember it’s more helpful to this person if you remain calm and non-judgemental. They may not be ready to talk, but you can let them know you are there to listen if and when they are.
Show your support for MIAW by wearing green and sharing some of the messages below on social media. Remember to use #MIAW2020
- This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Join the conversation about mental health and #mentalillness and help raise awareness! #MIAW2020
- Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in a given year? Help spread the word and join the conversation! #MIAW2020
- No one should have to feel alone on the road to recovery with #mentalillness. Join the conversation today! #MIAW2020
