Mental Health and Addictions -- Be compassionate, understanding and most importantly, just listen

Mental Health week is underway in BC, and Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, observed that:

“Having the courage to speak up and start discussion is essential to lifting people up and bringing mental health and addictions out of the shadows. The people we care about – whether they are friends or family members, co-workers or teammates – need to know that they can ask for the help they need, without judgement and without shame. It is our responsibility as a society to make sure that those who need help have access to quality supports and services”.

Youth need to be heard from as well. Young people need to know that taking the first step, and reaching out for help when you’re struggling, is worth it.

“I understand what it’s like to hurt,” said Ryan, a young woman who experienced her first mental-health crisis in her early teen years, and who received help from Child and Youth Mental Health.

Darcy also indicated that, “What’s critically important is that mental health and addictions services are being embedded in most of the temporary modular housing being built. We’re also working closely with Indigenous communities and approaching mental health and addictions services through the lens of reconciliation”.

“Improving mental health and wellness must become part of everyday life in our schools and workplaces and communities throughout the province. Our government is working to transform mental health and addictions care to ensure it works for everyone – adults, families, children and youth, as well as First Nations, Métis and other Indigenous communities”, she continued.

When asked for comment, BC Liberal Critic for Mental Health and Addictions Jane Thornthwaite agreed as she stated:

“This week is about looking out for one another and making sure that we all play a part in ensuring that anyone struggling with mental health issues feels safe and supported and has access to the resources that they need. These conversations will help bring the issues surrounding mental health to the forefront and together we can end the stigma and continue giving support to those who need it most.”.

And while Minister Darcy remarked that the NDP government of Premier John Horgan has taken a whole-of-government approach to addressing the root causes and social conditions that underline so many mental health and addictions challenges, Liberal Jane Thornthwaite noted that:

“Our (BC Liberal) government initiated Foundry, a collection of one-stop-shop centers, which aim to support youth at a critical age when most mental health issues begin. Starting conversations, seeking help, and then getting immediate interventions or treatment will help avoid more serious problems later in life”.

That initial prevention and early intervention means starting early with children and youth, expanding primary care networks and team-based services that include mental health and addictions care, and making sure supports are culturally safe.


And it also means that all of us should, “Reach out to someone you know who may be struggling”, said Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy.  “Be compassionate, understanding and most importantly, just listen. The conversations you have might make the difference in helping someone reach out for the help they need.”

Looking back, Ryan said, “The most important thing is to first admit to yourself that you actually need some help. No one can get through life completely on their own. Good counsellors show us how to do the work for ourselves.”

Additionally, “Really getting connected and engaged to something that mattered to me was life-saving,” she said.

Liberal critic Jane Thornthwaite remarked that, “We recognize the importance of mental health and for every Canadian to be able to speak out and get help, as we would physical health”.

It also seems that Mental Health and Addiction Minister Judy Darcy is also very much in agreement with that.

“Be compassionate, understanding and most importantly, just listen. The conversations you have might make the difference in helping someone reach out for the help they need”, concluded Minister Darcy.

And for those young people who are struggling, Thornthwaite left me with these words of encouragement, to pass on;
“I would suggest to a young person (impacted by mental health issues) that they first approach someone they trust. That may be a parent or a teacher or someone else. School Counsellors might be a first step to refer that person to a local Family services agency”

For that young person, if you are an area that has Foundry please drop in there. Foundry offers young people age 12-24 health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service centres in seven communities across BC.  

And for family and friends, if you know a young person that is suffering, please be sure to let them know about Foundry, or to call the following phone numbers.
There is also the Kid’s Help Phone at 1 (800) 668-6868 ... or the CMHA Bounce Back at 1 (866) 639-0522. ​

HELP IS THERE!