May is a time when we’re invited to reflect on something that often lives quietly beneath the surface of our daily lives: our mental health. For many, mental health isn’t always an easy topic to talk about. It can be layered with stigma, uncertainty, or even shame. But the reality is, mental health touches all of us. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA, 2023), one in five Canadians will experience a mental health issue in any given year. Despite this, nearly half of those individuals won’t seek help.
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to bring those quiet struggles into the open. It reminds us that feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or low doesn’t make someone weak or broken—it makes them human.
Raising awareness isn’t about slogans or campaigns. It’s about connection. When we talk openly about our mental health, share our experiences, or simply ask someone how they’re really doing, we create space for healing. The World Health Organization (2022) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which we can realize our abilities, cope with normal stresses, and contribute to our communities. That vision begins with compassion, for us and others.
At our centre, we honour the unique journey each person is on. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or supporting a loved one, we’re here with evidence-based care—like CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy—tailored with cultural awareness and respect. We believe healing happens when people feel safe, seen, and empowered.
So, this month, take a moment to check in—with your own feelings, with a friend, with a professional. One powerful place to begin is within our families. Opening space for these conversations at home doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with modelling vulnerability—sharing your own emotions in a simple, age-appropriate way. Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What was something that made you feel happy or frustrated today?’ and listen without judgment. Create consistent moments—like dinner time or bedtime—where everyone can speak freely. Keep the tone gentle and curious, not corrective. Over time, this kind of openness builds trust and emotional literacy. It also teaches our children that their feelings matter, that it’s safe to talk about tough days, and that support is always within reach. It might be a small step, but it can open the door to big changes. And if you’re ready, we’re here to walk with you. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.
References:
- Canadian Mental Health Association. (2023). Fast Facts About Mental Health. https://cmha.ca/brochure/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/
- World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
