Fractured But Not Broken
January 26, 2022 is Bell Talk Day here in Canada. What is that you ask? It is a day to support mental health and mental illness. A day of awareness for some people who may not know anyone with mental illness. A day of compassion for those suffering. It is a day to show others that although they are struggling – they may be fractured, but not broken.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t – John Green
For me personally, I have not had a lot of experience with mental illness – a small amount – but not a lot. However, the small interactions I have had impacted my heart. Talking with family and friends, I was surprised to hear their stories of loved ones with similar situations and how it has affected them.
Mental Illness Facts
- In 2021, a study from SickKids Hospital in Toronto stated that the loss of in-person schooling had a significant impact in mental health – 70% of adolescents (up to age 18) reported depression during the covid lockdowns.
- 70% of those with mental illness had their onset during childhood – hardships, trauma, and abuse are the top onset indicators of mental illness.
- Youth aged 15-24 are more likely to experience mental health illness than any other age group.
- Suicides have increased by 200% during covid as of February 2021 (I had read that number was 800%, but I was unable to find a reference to that number).
- Between 2018-2019 there was a 61% increase in hospital emergency visits.
Some may believe that the traits associated with mental illness are put on, made up, or even imagined. But after reading and the limited experience I have had, I now know that those are false. I too have sadly fallen into the stigma of those false claims. Mental illness is an illness just like illness of the heart, kidney or lungs. It is something that requires treatment, therapy and self-care. Just like other illnesses, mental illness can be helped. You can overcome it.
Do you know someone who is suffering with their mental health? Are you unsure on what to look out for? Or, what traits someone with a mental illness may encompass? Below is a list of common traits:
- Crying a lot
- Extreme mood changes
- Changes in eating habits
- Constant worry
- Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
- Difficulty understanding or relating
- Always trying to be perfect or afraid to make mistakes
- Not sleeping
- Obsessing about dying
- Avoiding friends, family or social situations
- A lack of trust in others
- Controlling or clinging to others
So, as you go about your day today – on Bell Talk Day – what are some things you can do to help or raise awareness for those you know (or even those you don’t know) suffering from mental illness?
- Pray for them
- Be compassionate and understanding
- Get them help if they haven’t already (see below for a list of phone numbers and websites). Often times, they don’t realize they need help until someone has stepped in. Often times, they are in the middle of a downward spiral and unable to see the clear picture. If they are open to wanting help, they will be grateful.
- Offer support if needed.
- Call a support line or go to a trusted friend, family member, Pastor or collegue if you are unsure on how to help.
As the old saying states: Time heals all wounds. Sometimes, those under care or already in the process of treatment may need time and space to heal. They may need separation or distance. They may take months or years to reach a resolution or an acceptable healing for them. If that is the case, give that to them. Their well-being is priority and your understanding, patience and willingness to let them go to heal will provide the mental health they need. A life could be saved because of your kind and compassionate heart.
If you are suffering from mental anguish or know of someone who is and you are unsure where to turn to? See the phone numbers and/or links below to get your started. That initial step is a step towards healing and a step towards helping someone.
Crisis Phone Numbers and Links:
Distress and Crisis Ontario: http://www.dcontario.org/
Distress Centres (DC’s) across Ontario offer support and a variety of services to their communities. At a DC you can find a listening ear for lonely, depressed, and/or suicidal people, usually 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The website also offers a chat function.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Youth mental health support available 24/7.
Good2Talk Helpline: 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Ontario’s 24/7 helpline for postsecondary students.
Children’s Mental Health Ontario Centres: cmho.org/findhelp/
100 member organizations operating in every region in Ontario, providing treatment and support to children, youth, and families. Free. No referral required.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 or www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/
Offers 24/7/365 bilingual support to people in Canada who have concerns about suicide. Phone line available 24/7.
All Colleges and Universities also have free counselling services available, please check the website or health centre at your school for the necessary help.