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By Sadie Hunter

In The Loop

HUNTER: Mental health is human health

May 2, 2023 | 9:53 AM

MAY 1-TO-7, 2023 MARKS Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme is #mystory, which is aimed at encouraging people to share their mental health experiences because, after all, mental health is part of our overall health.

“Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human. Stories help build connections and strong communities. Storytelling, in all its forms, supports mental health and reduces stigma,” states the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website.

This statement is true, and also brings with it a question as to why the stigma around mental health persists — even after the shared trauma of the pandemic. What needs to happen for mental wellness to be considered an integrated part of our overall health journey?

The fact resources around mental health-related supports are not covered as part of our universal health care only perpetuates this disparity. Unequal access to these resources creates a tiered system where those who have access to support have a better chance and opportunity to receive the care they need and successfully navigate mental health challenges – either acute or chronic. Unsupported, mental health and mental illness can create barriers to people being able to live productive and fulfilling lives.

A recent survey conducted for the Canadian Mental Health Association found that almost nine-in-ten people agree Canadian residents should have access to universal mental health care. People living in Canada believe that we are in a mental health crisis and governments are not doing enough about it.

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Mental health inevitably impacts our overall physical health. The connection between the two is undeniable and I’m hopeful the medical profession and practice shifts to incorporate more holistic approaches. How many times have you gotten sick or fell ill reasonably near to a stressful life event or experience? The approach to medical care and treatment and healthcare policy needs to shift to reflect the research and evidence showing the immense benefit of an integrated approach to care. We are entire beings with an integrated operating system, how can health care have such a singular focus?

Recent books exploring this connection have brought this conversation about the need to shift the narrative and the approach to health care to popular culture. Books like When the Body Says No and The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture by Dr. Gabor Mate, Healing Trauma: Restoring the Wisdom of the Body by Peter A. Levine, and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk are a few titles I recommend if you’re interested in learning more.

People are reading these books and identifying with the content because the stories they contain align with their own experiences.

In honour of this year’s theme of #mystory, I will share a bit about my own experience and journey. I live with Complex PTSD or CPTSD resulting from several traumatic experiences from childhood into adulthood. I have also experienced acute (short-term) bouts of anxiety and/or depression, as I think many have over the last few years.

I’ve explored and employed a number of modalities over the years including counselling, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), physical activity, medication, yoga, meditation, journalling and social connectivity. What works depends on the context. What I do can depend on the accessibility to any one of these modalities in relation to cost. In times of financial hardship, my options were to access those with little or no cost. When I had access to medical coverage, more options were available.

Does this seem right? I don’t think so.

I don’t think raging against the machine will do much to generate change. At the same time, I don’t think we need to feel helpless in not knowing how to create change. We already have what we need to create change, and the demand for change. We each have the ability to speak up about our mental health and equitable access to resources. The more it becomes part of the common discourse, the more people will expect support, the more the government and policy-makers will have to listen.

We also have the ability to do our part to create connection – the single most impactful way to address mental health. Have empathy. Have compassion. Have humanity.

Community mental health and recognizing our humanity instead creating the experience of isolation and judgment will help all of us heal and be stronger. This is an important example to set for young people who are experiencing mental health challenges at an alarming rate. By leading by example and being vulnerable, adults can create a culture of safety where there’s no judgment or “fixing”, only support and acceptance.

How will you change your approach to mental health? Do you also have a story to share? Your story has the power to help someone else feel seen and know they aren’t alone. Think of the power we can collectively generate by sharing our stories – which are a part of the human experience we’re missing.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to get help:

● Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text between 4 p.m. and midnight ET).

● Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.

● Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.