CMHA encourages virtual social connections for Mental Health Week

HEALTH

CMHA encourages virtual social connections for Mental Health Week

Ben Cousins CTVNews.ca Writer

Published Monday, May 4, 2020 8:13PM EDT

Text:

TORONTO -- The Canadian Mental Health Association is urging Canadians to 鈥済et real鈥� about what they鈥檙e going through during this pandemic.

As part of the organization鈥檚 69th edition of Mental Health Week, CMHA is focusing on social connections and they鈥檙e importance in maintaining good mental health.

This year, the CHMA is hoping Canadians 鈥済et real鈥� with what they鈥檙e going through, meaning to really open up with someone about what they might be experiencing.

鈥淢any of us say we鈥檙e fine, even when we don鈥檛 mean it,鈥� 鈥溾€楩ine鈥� keeps us at arm鈥檚 length from real social connections with others. Every time we just go through the motions, we miss a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way.鈥�

CMHA said feelings of loneliness and isolation were already a major concern before the COVID-19 pandemic, but now that more people are staying indoors and away from others, it鈥檚 even more of an issue.

According to the CMHA website, people with weak social connections are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, anti-social behaviour and suicidal behaviours, while a lack of strong relationships can be compared to smoking 15 cigarettes per day when it comes to its effect on the mortality rate.

Given current health recommendations include avoiding close in-person contact, the CMHA is encouraging people to reach out to each other through phone or video calls, as well as through text messages.