Awareness is the first step towards understanding, reducing the stigma and seeking help.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, directly or indirectly affecting all of us at some point through difficulties experienced by ourselves, a family member, friend or colleague.

Amongst the most common difficulties are major depression and anxiety; however, emotional difficulties are experienced on a spectrum from mild to severe. Mental illness and emotional difficulties can have a debilitating impact on life and can result in suicide attempts, which accounts for the leading cause of death for both men and women from adolescence to middle age.

Social and media events, such as Bell Let’s Talk can assist in raising awareness and understanding, and reducing the stigma. It is important to support these social media events; however, it is also important to continue to raise awareness throughout the year by continuing to educate yourselves and others and seek help if you are experiencing emotional difficulties. A stigma is often placed on seeking help for emotional difficulties. What if psychotherapy was considered a normal and health process of self-optimization and skill learning, as well as a component to striving for healthier coping strategies and mind-body health.

If you are concerned about how you, a partner, a friend, or a client is feeling, please seek guidance, advice or reassurance. In working with me, I can assess your current symptoms and difficulties and offer evidence based treatment options to help you strive for a better you. I am here to help to take care of yourself in this time of transition and need.