A world of help is a phone call away: Mental Health Week helping to bring depression and anxiety to forefront

The isolation. The inability to see friends and loved ones on a regular basis. The worry and concern about heading out in public. And just finding yourself with little to do when everything is shut down.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of just about everyone. And for those who were battling difficulties even before things reached their worst, the last year and a half could mark some of their lowest - and even dangerous - points.

But as Mental Health Awareness Week launches throughout Canada beginning May 3, it’s time for a common message that many folks might need to hear, one more time.

You aren’t alone. And help is out there.

So what can you do if life doesn’t seem a sharp as it once was, or even reaches the point of feeling like it’s not worth living? Here are a few things that can help and even save your life or the life of someone you love.

Know the Signs

First and foremost, there’s a difference between being sad and depression.

According to the Government of Canada website wellnesstogether.ca and Homewood Health, if the feelings you feel reach the point they begin to affect your dayto-day life - as an example, a constant and unrelenting feeling of sadness and grief that keeps you from enjoying things you once loved or being with people you care about, even affecting your ability to work - it may be time to seek help.

Substance abuse is another marker, especially to specifically chase away and forget the feelings that plague you on a constant basis.

Then there’s an inability to sleep or sleeping too much, feeling like you’re constantly on the verge of tears, a sense of constant pessimism and hopelessness… depression and mental health concerns come with many symptoms, some of which you might not think of. That’s where a medical professional can help.

Mental Health and Addiction Support Services for the Government of Saskatchewan recommends seeking professional care if:

A symptom becomes severe or disruptive;

A symptom becomes a continuous or permanent pattern of behaviour and does not respond to self-care; Symptoms become numerous, affect all areas of your life, and do not respond to self-care or communication efforts;

You feel out of control, extremely anxious or deeply depressed; or

You are thinking about hurting yourself or someone else. Self Improvement Can Be The First Step

For many folks, symptoms of depression and anxiety take far more than a few lifestyle changes to improve. But for others, it literally can be that simple.

If you’re just feeling a bit down on a regular basis, or find yourself not quite as excited about the fun things in your life, a few day-to-day changes can make the difference. Wellness Together carries numerous resources in that direction, including improving your diet, finding a way to get even a bit of exercise, trying meditation and even just staying connected with friends and family through the internet or by phone.

In the case of true and profound depression, personal actions might not help or only offer temporary relief. And that’s when it’s time for the next step.

How to Get Help and What It Will Look Like

Fortunately, resources to assist those suffering from mental health issues - and especially emergencies - are plentiful both online and off.

An easy first step could be a simple phone call: free and live counselling is available by contacting Wellness Together’s helpline at 1-866-585-0445, any time. The person you talk to will be a trained mental health professional and will help you take the next step. You can also reach out by texting WELLNESS to 741741, after which a professional will respond.

If staying local is your thing, the Moose Jaw branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association can be reached on their Wellness Support Response Line at (306) 6305968, by visiting their website at moosejaw.cmha.ca or you can dial 811 HealthLine.

If necessary, you will be put in contact with a physician or asked to see your family doctor, who may run a series of tests to ensure your depression symptoms aren’t related to a medical issue such as a vitamin or mineral deficiency, hormonal changes or other physical concerns. You can visit verywellmind.com to learn how to talk to your doctor about your mental health.

From there, treatment may involve medication, visiting a therapist and implementing lifestyle changes, in addition to improving your personal self-care.

Emergencies

Our brains are incredibly complex, to the point that we can convince ourselves that life is not worth living even when there is literally everything to live for.

This is depression and anxiety at its most insidious, and thanks to advancements in medicine and societal knowledge, it is now considered a true medical emergency. If you begin to think that taking your life is a viable option and are considering acting on your feelings, seek help immediately. Don’t be afraid to call 911 - you are in the midst of a life-threatening situation that demands immediate assistance, and that’s what the emergency response line is for.

Alternatively, the above resources will also find you help quickly and will also work toward helping you get healthy.

Depression and anxiety are common issues in today’s world. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, and the army of those who have your back is proof of that.

If you need it, get help. Call someone. Stay safe. There will always be someone waiting to talk.