Wellness for All

Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Canada and Bell Let’s Talk Day, January 28, calls on Canadians to join the national conversation about mental health. Photo: monkey business images / iStock / Thinkstock. Use of photo is granted to The Salvation Army (the Licensee) through a subscription agreement. Downloading of licensed image is restricted other than for personal use, and prohibited from republication, retransmission or reproduction. Go to thinkstockphotos.com for full license information.
by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Articles, Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in Canada and Bell Let’s Talk Day, January 28, calls on Canadians to join the national conversation about mental health.

Did you know that:

  • on any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians will not go to work because of mental illness
  • only 49% of Canadians said they would socialize with a friend who had a serious mental illness
  • 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their life
  • 2 out of 3 people suffer in silence, fearing judgment and rejection

The Salvation Army empathizes with those who suffer from mental illness and provides support that benefits individuals and their families and leads to an improved quality of life.

For example:

  • In Saskatoon, The Salvation Army’s community centre provides a private room for men in the community who are struggling with homelessness and mental health issues. Staff ensures medications are taken, appointments are kept, basic needs are met, and they are safe.
  • In Ottawa, an Art Studio at The Salvation Army’s Booth Centre helps homeless men suffering with mental health challenges express themselves through creativity, which promotes self-reflection and relaxation.
  • At L’Abri d’espoir, a residence operated by The Salvation Army in Montreal, women in difficulty are referred to specific resources such as mental health centres to meet their needs.
  • At the New Hope Community Centre in St. John’s, N.F., a drop-in group discusses issues such as mental health and participants are provided the opportunity to connect with a mental health social worker.

Regardless of circumstances, The Salvation Army works to restore hope and dignity to all who need our help. This includes the thousands of Canadians who live with mental health struggles that affect their ability to cope with the challenges of life.

Supporting mental health is a responsibility we all share.