#GetReal about how you feel.
Name it, don’t numb it.
The RCEA joins with the Canadian Mental Health Association to recognize the 70th annual CMHA Mental Health Week
May 3-9, 2021.
With the ongoing crisis, mental health is at the heart of our concerns. We have all faced challenges over the last year, a loss of bearings: radical changes in human relationships, new ways of working, loss of individual freedom, financial difficulties, concerns for loved ones. Our ability to adapt is therefore constantly challenged which may be anxiety-provoking.
Finding meaning in everything that happens as well as putting words on our discomfort can be emotionally demanding. This can make us feel unsettled, vulnerable, or perhaps not at our best to take on our responsibilities. In order not to lose care of our mental health, let’s #GetReal about how we really feel by having honest conversations with our relatives, community and colleagues.
The campaign theme of the National Mental Health Week, that will take place from May 3rd to May 9th, will focus on the importance of understanding our emotions. Emotional literacy is the ability to recognize how we feel, understand our feelings, label them and express them. Although we “feel” our emotions in the body and may recognize they are there, sometimes our emotions can be hard to put into words. When we put our feelings into words, we are actually constructing and making meaning of our emotions. Without words for emotions, our feelings might seem unclear to us.
Naming – or labelling – our emotions can help us understand and process them. It can even make us feel better. However, if your emotions are overwhelming, persistent and/or are interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek mental health supports.
If you or someone you love is struggling, there is hope and help:
- Please contact your local CMHA.
- Visit https://bounceback.cmha.ca/.
- Visit the Government of Canada’s Wellness Together portal.
- Thinking of suicide? Please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free in Canada (1-866-277-3553 in Quebec).
Remember that if you are in distress, you can contact at anytime your Employee Assistance Program (by phone at 1-800-268-7708 or by TTY at 1-800-567-5803) or nearest crisis centre. If it’s an emergency call, please dial 9-1-1.