In honour of Mental Health Awareness month, our May Tuesday Coffee Chat was about mental health.  Thank you again, to all who joined in our conversation and were so willing and brave to share their experiences, tips and suggestions with each other.  You are all helping improve each other’s lives.  

In 1951, Mental Health Awareness month was introduced across Canada. Celebrating mental health awareness month means taking steps to understand and better our own mental health, as well as the mental health of others. Mental health is just as important to an individual’s well-being as physical health. 

There are a wealth of resources online and in your community to help you better your mental health.  

I asked the group during Coffee Chat what they did to improve their mental health.  And their shares were wonderful.  Doing things for your own mental health can range from finding a quiet corner to read, meditate, to listening to your favourite music, crafting, getting out in nature to walk, garden or just sit, interacting with animals — of all kinds are all great ways to help improve your mental health.  

Eating well, physical exercise and getting a good night’s rest all go far in ensuring your own mental health.  Remember you are not alone, even when it seems like the world is against you, there is help out there.  If you are uncomfortable interacting with others or speaking to someone about your mental health,  there are numerous online resources to get you started on the path towards better mental health. 

One topic that came up was Empty Nester and how to deal with that.  Again the group shared how they dealt with empty nest syndrome themselves with grace and humour.  The Mental Health Commission of Canada (https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/) has some great resources as well.  I would recommend their article “Off You Go”   https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/catalyst/off-you-go/

There are a number of myths and misconceptions around mental health that to a great extent continue to be perpetuated through media.  Again I turn to the Mental Health Commission of Canada for a great fact sheet that goes through some common myths and misconceptions around mental health.  https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resource/fact-sheet-common-mental-health-myths-and-misconceptions/ 

I encourage each of you to do something for your own mental health each day!  I know that it can be challenging to put yourself first, I struggle with this myself.  But, if I am going to be able to be there for others, I need to have full cup.  

To wrap up, below is a list of some online mental health resources to help you get started.  

Wishing you good mental health!  

Mental Health Resources – Online 

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) https://alberta.cmha.ca/find-help/help-right-now/ This website as links to numerous supports 
• Contact 211 to gain access to a broad network of community, social, health, and government services. Your call, text, or chat will be answered by a professional 211 community resource specialist who is trained to assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate service(s).
• 211 services are available across Alberta and can help in over 170 languages over the phone. Ways to contact 211 include:
  •     Call 2-1-1
  •     Text INFO to 211
  •     Chat with 211
• 211 Blog has great articles on a variety of topics  https://ab.211.ca/blog/
• Alberta Health Services https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page14063.asp This link takes you to Addiction and Mental Health Services – province scroll down for resources in your zone of province. 
• Also Access Addiction and Mental Health: Call 1-888-594-0211 to have an Information & Referral Specialist help find the service that’s right for you. 
• Community based assistance 
• Mental Health Foundation – Edmonton https://mentalhealthfoundation.ca/resources/
• Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act – good information and resources