Statement
May 1, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada
Today marks the start of Mental Health Week, where this year’s theme, “My Story,” is all about sharing stories and experiences to benefit our mental health, break stigma, and help others feel like they’re not alone. .
Mental health and substance use issues affect us all. To meet people where they are, we must prioritize effective mental health care, whenever and wherever it is needed.
Our government remains committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of people across Canada and working with our partners to improve access to health and substance use services. We are also committed to addressing the unprecedented toxic drug and overdose crisis that continues to have a tragic impact on many communities and families across the country.
With Budget 2023, we have proposed investments to renew the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would continue to guide our government’s work to save lives, support people who use drugs, and protect the health and safety of Canadians. We’re also investing nearly $200 billion to improve health care for Canadians, including efforts to integrate mental health and substance use care throughout the health care system.
Mental health is health.
As we reflect on the importance of sharing our stories to give others courage and hope to overcome their own struggles, let us continue to ask for help when we need it. If you are struggling, or know someone who is, the Wellness Together Canada (WTC) The portal provides free and confidential 24/7 support, ranging from self-assessment and peer support to one-on-one sessions with social workers, psychologists, and other health professionals. WTC is available to anyone in Canada or Canadians abroad seeking help for mental health or substance use. You can also access new resources, including a self-assessment tool and a tracker that monitors mood and mental well-being, through the PocketWell app.
Indigenous Peoples who need immediate emotional support, crisis intervention or referrals to community services can access experienced and culturally sensitive counselors online through Hope for Wellness Helpline or by calling 1-855-242-3310.
Everyone in Canada has access to Talk Suicide Canadawho offers 24/7 bilingual, non-judgmental crisis and suicide prevention support at 1-833-456-4566 and texts (nightly) to 45645. Quebec residents can call 1-866-277-3553 or visit suicide.ca for text message and online chat support.
This Mental Health Week, we encourage you to join the conversation by sharing your own story using the hashtags #MyStory and #MentalHealthWeek on social media platforms. Together, we can end the stigma around mental illness and encourage more people to seek help and support.
The Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, PC, MP
Health Minister
The Honorable Carolyn Bennett, PC, MP
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Deputy Minister of Health
Contacts
maja staka
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honorable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Deputy Minister of Health
343-552-5568
William Bertrand
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos
Health Minister
613-957-0200
media relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
[email protected]