Did you know that a partner is four times more likely to leave you because of a mental health condition like depression than because of a physical disability?
Considering that 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, chances are pretty good that you or someone you know with grapple with this experience.
How can you help?
For starters, we would like you to be aware of the impact of language. Consider the old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – not true. A recent study has found that the use of discriminating language, even unintentional references, can be detrimental to a person’s mental health.
You can also learn more about mental health issues, including mental illness. There are many ways to expand your knowledge in this area but we would ask that whatever you do, you challenge the stereotypes that you may come across in the media. Visit this excellent British site to test what your response might be in a number of scenarios.
Considering that 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, chances are pretty good that you or someone you know with grapple with this experience.
How can you help?
For starters, we would like you to be aware of the impact of language. Consider the old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – not true. A recent study has found that the use of discriminating language, even unintentional references, can be detrimental to a person’s mental health.
You can also learn more about mental health issues, including mental illness. There are many ways to expand your knowledge in this area but we would ask that whatever you do, you challenge the stereotypes that you may come across in the media. Visit this excellent British site to test what your response might be in a number of scenarios.
A good place to start - take the time to talk to someone you know who lives with a mental illness - everybody has a story to tell. Read a book, surf the web, or take a course. Mental Health First Aid is one example of the courses that we are proud to offer.
Your investment in time will help you to help others, especially a person who may be experiencing a mental health issue. After all, the more facts we have about mental illness, the more able we are to help dispel the myths.
The choice is yours.
No comments:
Post a Comment