TRIGGER WARNING: Death, suicide.
As the possibility of a winter lockdown looms, each of us must make a greater effort to check in on each other’s mental health.
More specifically, we must ensure we are checking in on groups who are traditionally left out of mental health conversations, including men and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC).
A recent survey by Movember shows we as Canadians are still failing to include men in important mental health conversations. Forty per cent of the 1,430 Canadian participants surveyed said no one has asked how they’re coping during the COVID-19 pandemic—most of whom were men. This statistic is unacceptable.
Eight out of 10 men surveyed said they find it helpful when others ask about their troubles, so it is not an issue of men avoiding the conversation. Allies are falling flat.
This is a dire situation, seeing as more than 75 per cent of suicide victims in Canada are men, according to the Center for Addication and Mental Health Issues (CAMH)’s July 2020 report on suicide prevention.
Furthermore, BIPOC individuals have also historically been left out of mental health conversations. Many even have internalized stigma regarding mental health issues, calling mental health a “Western concept.”
COVID-19 and systemic racism have also had significant mental health effects for BIPOC communities, which creates an increased need for support and compassion.
When so many people claim to be allies, there is no excuse to not—at the very least—check in with BIPOC folks regarding their mental health and ensure that white people are contributing to positive, inclusive environments.
COVID-19 has been hard on all of us, but now is the time to make sure those who are most often forgotten are remembered. Make sure to do your part this winter.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, contact:
Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 (within Ottawa) and 1-866-996-0991 (outside Ottawa)
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region 24-hour Line: 613-238-3311
Youth Services Bureau 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll)
Featured graphic from file.
