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Mental Health Days of Awareness in May

Nancy Nazer
Chief Human Resources Officer

While mental health awareness has been increasing in recent years, this pandemic has vaulted the mental health conversation to the forefront across global communities. We are adapting to a situation where we have limited control and are working and living in ways that are markedly different. We are continuously adjusting to social distance, which can feel isolating - all while watching the world change in ways we never thought possible.

Over the course of the next several weeks, there are global public awareness efforts planned around promoting mental health. These are a balance of steps we can all take to be mentally resilient and healthy, and at the same time, provide support and assistance to address challenges.

  • Last week, May 4-8, was the Canadian Mental Health Association Mental Health Week in Canada. The theme is #GetReal. Let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have real conversations and #GetReal about how we feel. #TogetherApart

  • In the U.K., May 18-24 is the Mental Health Foundation Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme is kindness. Kindness is singularity ability to unlock our shared humanity. Kindness strengthens relationships, develops community and deepens solidarity. It is a cornerstone of our individual and collective mental health. Wisdom from every culture across history recognizes that kindness is something that all human beings need to experience and practice to be fully alive.

  • In the U.S., during the month of May Mental Health America promotes Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme is Tools 2 Thrive. Tools 2 Thrive explores practical tools that everyone can use to improve their Mental Health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with.

There is a lot of information and great resources on each of the websites noted above. For decades we have had great conversations about physical health and fitness. The conversation about mental health and ways to stay mentally fit are equally important.

Nancy Nazer is OMERS Chief Human Resources Officer and joined the organization in April 2020.