Reaching out for mental health support (described video)

Transcript

Reaching out for mental health support (described video)

Many of us experience mental health challenges at some point in our lives.

(Drops of watercolour fall onto a white canvas. A yellow figure is depicted from behind, standing before swelling mountains of blue and black paint. Dark clouds rise in the air.)

And, it can be difficult to make sense of those thoughts and feelings.

No matter how big or small your challenges feel, getting support may help you feel better.

Some common signs that may indicate it’s time to seek help include:

(The threatening clouds churn in a painting of a saddened eye. Patches of blue watercolour seep around the edges. Tears well in the lower lid then a single tear spills onto a canvas below. The teardrop spreads out to become the silhouette of a face. At the heart of the face, words appear, reading: “I just don’t feel right.”)

Feelings of worry, sadness or irritability that are long-lasting or affect your daily life.

Chronic unexplained physical symptoms like back pain, stomach aches, insomnia or headaches.

If you’re unsure or have any concerns about your mental health, reach out.

(The silhouette fades away. Two orange figures appear on the next canvas. One figure sits slumped staring down with a saddened look. The other sits close laying a comforting hand on their shoulder.)

You can start by finding someone that you’re comfortable confiding in.

(On another canvas, steam rises from two side-by-side mugs.)

Like a healthcare provider, mental health specialist, friend, family member or person you trust.

(Colours of orange and pink swirl onto the next canvas. An orange figure appears, holding a smartphone to their ear. The image transforms to the figure’s hand holding out the phone. The screen displays the following number: 9-8-8.)

If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. A trained responder is there to listen, without judgment, 24/7.

(On the final canvas, the yellow figure stands gazing into a luminous horizon. Warm hues of yellow, orange and red cast light onto the figure. Text appears, reading: “Find resources at Canada.ca/mental-health.”)

Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to do it alone.

Find resources at Canada.ca/mental-health.

(The Government of Canada logo appears.)

A message from the Government of Canada.