via callbs.ca: Despite more than 1 in 5 youth needing mental health services, less than 25% actually receive them. Instead, many suffer in silence due to the shame, stigma and lack of care that exists.
What’s more, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young Canadians, and most who die have a mental illness, like depression.
In Canada, and all over the world, mental health issues are often overlooked, scoffed at or even disregarded as serious or real. That’s bullshit.
People of all ages and in all places are susceptible to mental health issues and we (as an advanced and educated society) need to step up and start offering more support to those who are in need of it.
The Let’s Call BS campaign is currently working to improve awareness and support for Canadian youth with mental illness, and I think it’s a noble and courageous endeavour that we can and should all get behind.
- This is what they want to do -
Help us call BULLS#!T on the fact that:
- We don’t talk openly about mental health
- We act as if it’s not our issue
- We don’t treat mental health like physical health
- We judge people who can’t seem to “get it together”
- We use hurtful language to label and isolate people
- We don’t do nearly enough to help those suffering
- We don’t spend enough on support and services in our communities for those who need them
- This is how they want to do it -
By listening and being supportive of a friend who may be experiencing a mental health problem, or challenging others who enable stigma and reinforce negative stereotypes through their words and actions – I will do my part to change the way we talk about, act towards and support mental health.
I will be the first to admit that I have not always been the most understanding or calm when it has come dealing with loved ones who have mental health issues that they are fighting and living with. I have had good moments and bad. I’ve lashed out. I’ve said hurtful things and I’ve been selfish.
But I know that I can and I have to be better.
Our young people are the future. It’s not just a bullshit cliche. It’s the truth. What’s bullshit is the way we treat mental illness. Which mostly is not treating it at all.
Whether we’re talking about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, cutting or any other issue, it’s time to stand up and be counted as responsible and caring citizens. We can make a difference by being here for the people in our lives (friends, family, co-workers, strangers, classmates, neighbours) who need us.
We can pressure our politicians to pledge more support for mental health awareness and treatment. We can educate the masses on what to look for and what they can do.
We can the support system that our youth need as they continue to grow into adults and productive and important members of society. Mental health issues like depression do not have to be a death sentence. But they are real and should be treated as such!
We can be better. We have to be.
Because pretending that mental health doesn’t matter is BULLS#!T. 100% certified.
