Working toward a brighter future
Supporting mental health services, programs in more ways than one
In 1986, Charles Keating imagined a supportive, empathetic community for people living with brain disorders where individuals actively worked to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is proud to have brought this vision to life.
It’s the work of furthering Keating’s legacy that lies before us. During the past three decades, the mindset surrounding mental illness and addiction has changed. There’s more awareness, more conversations, more widespread understanding.
All of this has also resulted in a surge of help-seeking behaviour well beyond the capacity of our mental healthcare system.
That’s where the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia comes in. Its goal is to bolster mental health programs and services in communities throughout the province, so Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction — and their loved ones — have access to support, where they need it, when they need it.
The foundation has invested more than $6 million in mental health initiatives throughout the province since 2006 and is on track to distribute another $1.8 million this year.
It’s a substantial increase in support for the more than 200,000 people in our province living with mental health disorders, as well as the hundreds of thousands more struggling with mental health problems and crises. Still, there’s plenty more work to be done.
The impact of the COVID19 pandemic’s psychological toll is imminent. The erosion of social connections, change in routine and relentless uncertainty are challenging our mental health like never before.
In order to overcome these challenges, we need an abundance of mental health resources in every corner of our province that speak to the cultural and unique needs of each community. This is what will help build resilience and create a healthier path forward.
Thirty-five years ago, many would have scoffed at the idea of millions of individuals talking openly about their mental illness and addictions. Now, ensuring mental health supports and services are readily available in all Nova Scotia communities is easily within our reach.
If we’re as committed to changing the way people think as Keating once was, the future looks bright.
To support our vision of Nova Scotians thriving in their own communities, learn more about the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia or become a monthly donor today at mentalhealthns.ca/donate.