Message from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health — World Bipolar Day
Statement
March 30, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada
Today is World Bipolar Day, an opportunity to learn, raise awareness, and reduce stigma for the approximately 1 to 2% of Canadians who will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime. This year's theme is #BipolarTogether, which reminds people living with this disorder that they are not alone in what they're going through.
It is important for all of us to learn more about this medical condition and consider how we can come together to fight stereotypes and stigma, encourage empathy and respect, and improve mental health care for those living with it.
Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing continues to be a priority for our government. This past February, we made a historic announcement of $198.6 billion over 10 years to improve health care services for Canadians. This investment will support improved mental health and substance use services, including through expanding access to family health services, supporting health workers, and modernizing the system through data and digital tools. This integrated approach will ensure that mental health care is treated as a full and equal part of our universal health care system.
If you're struggling, please know that support is available through the Wellness Together Canada (WTC) portal and its companion app—PocketWell, which provide free 24/7 educational resources, self-guided and moderated peer-to-peer support, as well as one-to-one counselling with qualified mental health professionals. Whatever challenges you or your loved ones may be facing, there are people who will listen with patience and compassion.
This World Bipolar Day, I invite you to share your story online with the hashtag, #WorldBipolarDay, to educate, empathize and empower others. I also invite those unfamiliar with the disorder to learn more on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's website. We're all in this together.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.
Contacts
Maja Staka
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Maja.staka@hc-sc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca