Public awareness and understanding of mental health continue to grow thanks to initiatives like Mental Health Week. But we still have a long way to go. Addressing accessibility to timely support and services is one of the biggest challenges facing our mental health crisis in Canada. Along with eliminating the stigma and educating people about the importance of caring for our mental health, accessibility is essential to the well being of our families, our communities, and our society as a whole.
Despite the many initiatives to treat and care for people suffering with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addictions, bi-polar, and OCD, many people continue to suffer and struggle to find access to the care and support they need. That is why it is so important we continue to support and participate in Mental Health Awareness. Everyone has a part to play, and everyone can contibute.
So, what can you do during Mental Health Week?
- Talk about mental health. Be purposeful and intentional to initiate conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about mental health. Some good conversation starters are: Hey it’s Mental Health Week… do you know anyone struggling with their mental health? Do you think these public awareness initiatives are helping? What do you think the barriers are to people getting the help they need?
- Let’s speak positively and with encouragement. Did you know mental health conditions are very treatable and have high rates of success in recovery when people get the help they need? We need to share some good news about mental health. There is more treatment, more funding, and more research than ever before. Ontario is one of the world leaders in research and treatment development. Prevention awareness is on the rise with the goal of reducing the rate of mental illness in our society. Spread some good news about mental health.
- If you know someone who works or volunteers in the field of mental health, reach out to them this week with words of encouragement and support. Workers and volunteers are being stretched to capacity amid our mental health crisis and your voice of encouragement and support can go along way to help. A simple,” thank you for the work you do to help others,” or “can I take you out for a coffee to thank you for all you do” may be the encouragement they need to press on.
Many people struggling with their mental health need friends and family to advocate for them for care and treatment because they just cannot do that for themselves. If you can help someone find help, that may be the most important and life changing act of care you ever do.
Scott Armstrong
Scott has been a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice since 1993. He completed his undergraduate studies in psychology and his master’s level training in Marriage and Family therapy. As the Executive Director of LifeCare Centres since 2012, Scott provides vision, leadership and direction to the organization. Scott is passionate about developing his team at LifeCare to realize and reach their full potential. His desire is to equip them to reach out into our surrounding communities with counselling and psychological services of the highest quality and standard.
Scott brings to his leadership position extensive experience from his work in the areas of: couple conflict and communication, addictions and compulsions, depression and anxiety disorders, anger management, building emotional/relational life skills, survivors of abuse and trauma, men’s issues, parenting, and family conflict resolution. His experience in the therapeutic arena includes over 25,000 hours of clinical work with individuals, couples, and families.
Scott is passionate about the privileged opportunity he has in his role as Leader and Director. His daily focus is to be used as an instrument of encouragement, challenge, and inspiration to the team he leads at LifeCare. Scott is committed to building a team that is held to the highest standards of client care and professional treatment within the field of psychotherapy and psychological services.
Scott also provides seminars, workshops, and conferences in his areas of focus. He is a dynamic and challenging speaker who shares both from his personal and clinical experience when engaging his audience. His talks and presentations are informative and practical. Scott is very committed to providing his participants with a combination of knowledge, experiential learning and tools and strategies for application in everyday life.
Scott is passionate about embracing the unique blessings and challenges that come with marriage and the raising and launching of three adult children. Scott makes time for rest and relaxation in the solitude of nature and the joy of music.