From May 1st to 7th, Mental Health Week is being celebrated across Canada. The goal of Mental Health Week is to raise awareness and to start important conversations about mental health. This year’s theme is ‘My Story’ and it aims to highlight that we all have different, yet equally valuable stories. Shining a light on our stories or personal journeys allows us to connect with others in a meaningful way and to raise awareness about the importance of participating in positive mental health practices.
We all have multiple layers and stories that make us who we are and while each year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health issue, 5 in 5 of us – that’s all people – have mental health. Mental health involves our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and how we act and interact with the world around us. It’s not about avoiding problems, stress or negative emotions; it’s about living well, finding balance in all aspects of life, and having the tools to cope with difficult situations and life’s many challenges.
Maintaining good mental health is vital for our overall well-being, but it can be a challenge to know where to start. Practicing positive mental health habits and attitudes can help us better manage our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to a greater sense of overall well-being and a happier and more fulfilling life.
Incorporating positive mental health practices into your daily routine can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or gratitude, engaging in regular exercise, or setting aside time for hobbies and relaxation. Staying mentally healthy is like staying physically fit—it requires effort. But the rewards are worth it!
This Mental Health Week, consider taking the first step by incorporating positive mental health practices into your daily routine. If you are looking for some ideas on how to do so, click here.
If the challenges in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, consider seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals when needed. If you are interested in professional mental health support, please reach out to your healthcare provider so that they can help connect you to appropriate resources.
SHOW GREEN DURING MENTAL HEALTH WEEK!
To show support and to raise awareness for mental health, all community members are invited to SHOW GREEN during Mental Health Week. “Showing green” will let others know they are not alone and that we are in this together!
There are many ways to participate in the “show green” initiative. Consider doing one or more of the following:
- Join MFHT in wearing green on Wednesday, May 3, 2023,
- Paint green images or positive messages in your windows,
- Paint rocks green and leave them around the community for others to find, and/or
- “Light up green” during Mental Health Week.
How does one “light up green”? It’s easy! Put a green light bulb in a light fixture (e.g. an outdoor or porch light or a lamp near a window) so others can see green lights as they look outside their window or walk around the community throughout Mental Health Week.
Pick up your FREE green light bulb at Marathon Family Health Team starting April 24th or at the Marathon Centre Mall on April 25th from 4-5pm. Marathon Home Hardware donated 100 green light bulbs towards this initiative. Thank you to Murray Watson for kindness and generosity! Green light bulbs will be available on a first come, first served basis.
