“One Thing” for Mental Health – $100 Gift Card Prize

Posted on Sunday, February 1st, 2015

MentalHealthAfter the rousing success of our January “Healthy Eating” initiative, this February we are continuing to ask you to pick “One Thing” you can change today, to improve your overall health and wellness. Again, it doesn’t have to be something huge or all-encompassing or overwhelming. Just one thing that you can do, for yourself, that can help increase your overall wellbeing.

This month we are focusing on mental health.

With The Bell “Let’s Talk” campaign working to break down the barriers associated with mental illness, there are 5 simple things they suggest that you can do today to take the first step to help end the stigma around mental illness.

Language matters

Words can help…but they can also hurt. Pay attention to the words you use.

How you can help

  • Explain to friends and colleagues who use words like “psycho” or “nut” without thinking that their comments may be hurtful and provide an alternative view.

Did you know?

2 out of 3 people suffer in silence, fearing judgment and rejection. – Canadian Medical Association.

Educate yourself

Myths exist about mental illness that contribute to stigma. Learn the facts.

How you can help

  • Learn more, know more. Be knowledgeable and help fight stigma with facts.

Did you know?

On any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians will not go to work because of mental illness. – Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Be Kind

Small acts of kindness speak volumes.

How you can help

  • Don’t stand by if someone is being labelled or bullied.
  • Treat a person who has a mental illness with the kindness and care you give to people with other illnesses through a friendly smile, a helping hand, a phone call or visit.

Did you know?

Only 49% of Canadians said they would socialize with a friend who has a serious mental illness. – Canadian Medical Association.

Listen and ask

Sometimes it’s best to just listen.

How you can help

  • Don’t trivialize someone’s illness. Instead, say: “I’m sorry to hear that, it must be a difficult time. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Did you know?

Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities. – CMHA.

Talk about it

Start a dialogue, not a debate.

How you can help

  • Break the silence. Talk about how mental illness touches us all in some way directly or through a friend, family member or colleague. Stories of lived experience are the best way to help eradicate stigma.
  • Support mental health and anti-stigma programs in your community.

You can find more information about the Bell “Let’s Talk” campaign here: http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/

What “one thing” can you do to help move towards meaningful change and building greater awareness, acceptance, and action when it comes to your own mental health and well-being?

Email us at wellness@algonquincollege.com with your “One Thing” for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Bryson Farms Organic Home Delivery (www.brysonfarms.com).


Comments

  • Mark Says:
    February 3rd, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    I plan to set aside regular “me” time to update my personal hobby blog:
    http://mnh2013.blogspot.ca/

  • Mary Anne Caibaiosai Says:
    February 4th, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I will walk every day so my spirit reconnects with the natural world and those elements like the wind and sun can take away the negative cob-webs I may collect during the day.

  • Katherine Says:
    February 11th, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    I workout almost everyday at lunch. It helps clear my mind and allows me to have some me time in the middle of a crazy day.

  • Elizabeth Smid Says:
    February 23rd, 2015 at 9:42 am

    I am setting aside time during my lunch hour to participate in Yoga At Your Desk.

    It helps me to relieve tension and I feel energized afterwards.

  • Kristina Magalhaes Says:
    February 24th, 2015 at 11:48 am

    I tend to eat healthy, workout 5 days a week, and I like my sleep, but I tend to still get stressed and overwhelmed. What I will do today is to start taking time to relax and organize myself mentally so I will be able to plan for some down time every day.

  • Helen Huang Says:
    February 26th, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    If I’m feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks that I need to complete the next day, I make a list before leaving work or going to bed. Getting everything down on paper feels like it’s a bit of a release so I don’t have to keep thinking about it. Then I can prioritize and be ready to tackle things fresh when I wake up.

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