First Week of October: Mental Health Awareness Week

First Week of October: Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week, celebrated annually during the first week of October, serves as a vital reminder of the need to comprehend, support, and destigmatize mental health issues. This week offers an opportunity to shine a light on the prevalence of mental illnesses and their profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 450 million people worldwide grapple with mental disorders, making them a leading cause of disability. Established by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the United States in 1990, Mental Illness Awareness Week has evolved into a global observance. Yet, its roots trace back to a deep-seated imperative to address the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health. This year, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health has designated the theme as “Awareness, Access, and Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Care in Canada.” 

Astonishingly, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health issue each year, but unfortunately, more than half of those struggling do not receive the help they need. The ramifications of untreated mental illness are not limited to individuals alone; they extend to the economic landscape. In Canada, untreated mental illness costs the economy approximately $50 billion annually. In Canada, an average of 20 lives are lost daily due to opioid overdose. It is crucial to recognize that negative mental health impacts do not always mean a diagnosed mental illness.  Nevertheless, individuals living with negative impacts on their mental health can experience significant distress related to their symptoms. Developing effective coping strategies that help with adaptation to stress is crucial and mental health week stives to raise awareness to accessible services as well as sent out the message to all people: your mental health is important.  You are not alone, and what you are experiencing can shift with the right directives. 

Taking care of yourself by acknowledging when you need help, are signs of strength, not weakness. Be
an active participant in reshaping how society perceives and discusses mental illness by debunking myths and challenging stereotypes.

As a free gift to all of you who have acknowledged your own mental health, spoke out about your hardships and/or received mental health support, this guided meditation is for you.  

Embedded in this meditation is the frequency of 639 HZ which best resonates with the heart center. Click the link below to play. Enjoy!