It is World Mental Health Day and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is joining the global community in recognizing it.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for people and communities to come together, fostering knowledge, awareness, and meaningful actions to promote and protect everyone’s mental health. “One in five Canadians experience mental health concerns every year, impacting their well-being, physical health, and relationships,” says Health Promoter Joanne Brewster. “Unfortunately, these conditions increasingly affect not only adults but adolescents and young people, highlighting the need for compassion, understanding, and urgency of access to mental health services and support for all.”
The health unit feels access to mental health support services should be free of stigma or discrimination and says every person seeking help for their mental well-being deserves to be met with understanding, empathy, and respect.
“The health unit is committed to working and collaborating inclusively with community partners and individuals to champion the value, promotion, and protection of mental health,” says Lorna McCleary, Manager of Health Promotion.
World Mental Health Day 2023 recognizes that having good mental health is a universal human right and that everyone deserves to live in environments where mental health is protected. To learn more about how to protect and promote mental health and well-being and for local support and information, visit hkpr.on.ca/MentalHealth.