May 6 to 12 is Mental Health Week – a call to be kind and support our loved ones, friends and neighbours

You are not alone, Mississauga.

This Mental Health Week, led by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the City of Mississauga would like to encourage all residents to practice compassion by not only acknowledging suffering, but by actively demonstrating care and kindness.

This year’s theme is Compassion Connects. Research shows that one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness or challenge in any given year. Mental health impacts many people in our community and the healing power of compassion can make all the difference in someone’s life.

Compassion can start within yourself and expand to those around you. Provide a listening ear without judgment, offer practical support, educate yourself about mental illness and encourage professional help when needed. Some daily practices that everyone can incorporate into their daily routine, include:

• Escape into nature: rediscover your city by staying active; invite neighbors to join you for a walk by checking out a trail or park near your home, or grabbing coffee to provide social support and connection.
• Expand your horizons and try something new: take part in community programming that can help reduce isolation and promote connection, including Sauga connections for older adults.
• Initiate a community litter clean-up: meet your neighbours and help keep Mississauga’s parks beautiful and litter-free by participating in a clean-up event.
• Extend a helping hand: offer to drive someone to their medical appointments, volunteer within your community or at a local mental health organization.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. By engaging in kind and open conversations about mental health, our goal is to foster compassion and eliminate stigma. Resources are available from City, Region of Peel and community partners, like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

• 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline
• 811 Ontario – connects to health information and services
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin
• Connex Ontario
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Resources

Together, we can make mental health a top priority for our community and create an environment that is supportive, understanding and accepting.

Join the conversation online this week using #CompassionConnects. Let’s work together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve.

Tags

• Health and Wellness