Today is the first day of Mental Health Week – a yearly event celebrated across Canada. This year the theme is compassion and how it connects us all.
From May 6th to 12th, the Canadian Mental Health Association is running a campaign to inform Canadians about the healing power of compassion.
Over the last couple of years our communities have faced an increase in mental health and addictions challenges. We have undergone a pandemic, floods, fires, and increased rates of suicide. As we continue to heal together and find ways to support one another, it’s important to rethink and expand our understanding of mental health and wellness. Not having a specific diagnosis doesn’t mean we are not struggling, just as receiving one does not mean we do not experience wellness. We are all affected by mental health, and all our unique experiences matter. This week is a good reminder to continue learning and expanding the ways we view and support mental wellness in our families, friendships, workplaces, schools, communities, and ourselves.
We all deserve to feel seen and heard. Take time to remind the people in your life and community that they are not alone, that their experiences are valid and they matter, even if they are different than your own. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:
- Same day, drop in access to counselling through the NWT Community Counselling Program.
- 988 – Suicide Crisis Helpline is a safe space to talk, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
- 811 Helpline has responders who are registered nurses who can assist you with concerns related to mental wellness and addictions recovery. Call 811 or 1-844-259-1793.
- Kid’s Help Phone is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text the word CONNECT to 686868 to talk to a counsellor.
- BreathingRoom™ is a free online program that helps youth and young adults learn new ways to manage stress, depression, and/or anxiety.
- Strongest Families Institute (SFI) delivers distance services primarily via telephone for children, youth, and their families. To register or to learn more about SFI, you can contact your local community counselling program, call 1-866-470-7111, or visit
- EHN Outpatient Services Addictions Virtual Aftercare is a free, abstinence-based, online maintenance program that can be accessed following addictions treatment. Residents can register for the EHN Wagon program by contacting their local counsellor, by calling 1-866-926-4196, or by booking an aftercare assessment online.
- 7 Cups is a confidential peer support program that connects you with trained active listeners and peers. Available 24/7 with access to free chat rooms and forums for a variety of topics including depression, anxiety, relationships, LGBTQ2+, as well as other care options.
What you can do:
- Celebrate Mental Health Week on social media with the hashtags #CompassionConnects and #MentalHealthWeek.
- Take a free mental health course offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
- Learn and raise awareness about mental wellness programs and services available to residents, such as eMental health programs and the NWT Community Counselling Program. To learn more about available mental wellness supports and services, please visit www.gov.nt.ca/wellness.
For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034
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