This year’s Mental Health Week theme is about the healing power of compassion: a call to be kind to others (and yourself). This week allows us to reflect on how being kind and compassionate can have positive impacts on well-being, happiness and reduces stigma while creating social connectedness and inclusivity.
A recent study by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) showed that 92% of Canadians identify themselves to be compassionate – and that giving, receiving and experiencing (self) compassion has proven to be very beneficial to mental health.
This week, OPH is encouraging everyone to show compassion through everyday actions and words. With so much going on in both our work and personal lives, it is important to make time to connect with others. Start with being kind to yourself and extend compassion to those around you who may be dealing with stressful situations and have difficulty coping.
We also welcome you to participate in OPH conversations and community activities for Mental Health Week:
- In partnership with Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, OPH will be hosting a Mental Health workshop for parents and caregivers. Join us in-person or virtually on May 15 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to learn more on Mental Health wellness in children and youth including community supports and resources. RSVP to lorusso@wocrc.ca and check out the attached flyer for more details.
- OPH’s Stigma: How You Can Impact Change course is now available through Olearn.Ottawa.ca. This interactive training available in English and French and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Take this course to learn more about stigma, what we can do to reduce stigma and how to communicate in a supportive way.
Self-compassion helps to build and maintain positive mental health and resilience. Remember to be kind to yourself and to celebrate what you accomplished in one day.
- Follow this link Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources – Ottawa Public Health for a detailed list of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health resources for different populations.
- Get the conversation started by watching 1 of the 13 National Standards for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Check out this video on Psychological Health and Social Support in the Workplace.
- For additional videos and resources on the 13 factors, be sure to check out haveTHATtalk.ca
For more mental health information and supports, visit the following websites:
- CMHA Mental Health Week – Canadian Mental Health Association
- Responding to Stressful Events – Ottawa Public Health that includes tips for self-care and mindfulness activities.
Remember, a simple act of kindness will let someone know that they too, matter.
