Staying mentally healthy is like staying physically fit; it takes conscious effort to face the stresses, challenges and demands that we experience.

Did you know, that mental health is part of our daily lives at home, at play and work? It affects all of us, whether directly or indirectly, whether we are aware of it or not. How we feel, think, and interact with those around us can have a powerful impact on staying mentally healthy.

Here are five interesting mental health facts you may not be aware of:

1. Above all, mental illness is the leading cause of workplace disability in Canada.
2. In fact, 1 out of every 5 Canadians will experience some form of mental illness at some point in their lives.
3. On any given week, more than 500,000 Canadians will not go to work because of mental illness.
4. As a result, 2 out of every 3 people suffer in silence, afraid that they will be judged or rejected.
5. Subsequently, mental health problems and illnesses cost the Canadian Economy at least $50 billion per year.

With this being said, staying mentally healthy is similar to staying physically fit.  For this reason, it takes conscious effort to face the stresses, challenges and demands that we experience. Even daily, we need to continue to cope and function positively and productively. Taking charge of your mental well-being is the first and most important step in maintaining an overall healthy living environment. Whether your issues are physical, emotional, personal or financial, seeking help from professionals, implementing positive mental health tips and accessing resources online, through workshops or in person can provide and sustain a healthy life balance.

There are many things you can do to improve your mental health:

1. Get active
2. Try therapy
3. Connect with others
4. Reduce stress
5. Learn new skills
6. Improve sleep habits
7. Get creative
8. Eat healthy
9. Speak with a doctor when necessary

Some other things you can do include staying positive, practicing gratitude, taking care of your physical health, developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and developing coping skills.

Helping others who struggle with their mental health

Although you may have found your balance, often it is those around us who struggle to find that balance and need understanding, support and compassion. Being able to identify someone who is suffering, learning how to interact with them, figuring out how to support them and helping others to understand them can help create a healthy and safe community for those who are not mentally healthy.

Here are five simple things that you can do to support others on their journey to becoming mentally healthy:

1. Pay attention to the words you use.
2. Educate yourself about the facts and myths surrounding mental illness.
3. Be kind. Even saying hi or small acts of kindness can make a difference.
4. Learn to listen. Sometimes that is all someone needs.
5. Talk about it. Not about them but mental health in general. Starting a dialogue can make mental health part of the normal conversation.

Ending the stigma is essential to creating meaningful change, and building greater awareness and acceptance of the challenges of mental health. It is through change and acceptance that the impact mental health has on our workplace and economy can be reduced or minimized. And it is only when we, collectively as a society, embrace this change and acceptance that we can truly make a difference.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate assistance, get to your nearest hospital or call 911. If you or someone you know is having trouble coping or needs help, talk to your family physician, access EAP (Employee Assistance Program) at work or contact the Canadian Mental Health Association(CMHA).

Check out the below resources as well on how to stay mentally healthy:

Psychological_Health_in_the_Workplace.eng

CSA Group Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace