2
2019
A Conversation with No End, but Finally a Beginning
Supporting a movement to create change to better supporting our mental health.
The conversations we are having around mental health and fighting to end the stigma are game changers for all of us. We all have or know someone that has dealt with a mental health issue/crisis at some point. There are so many forms of mental health and It looks different on everyone. Sometimes we may not even see it, but the effects are very real. Not talking about something does not make it go away, it just means the people who are dealing with it, are not being supported.
WP Creations has the privilege of working closely with many new moms. We welcome them into our home studios, meet their babies, make them comfortable and sometimes, all it takes is for us to ask, “how are you doing?” for them to open up. Whether it be dealing with postpartum depression, feeling overwhelmed, dealing with all of the hormonal imbalances, changes in bodies, lifestyles, relationships, all of it. Sometimes it is just a matter of needing a space to talk. But what happens when people feel like no one is listening?
We have no trouble talking about physical health and seeking help for our physical illnesses, so why do we have such trouble taking care of our own mental health?
There are many different ways mental health can manifest itself. There is no one right way to deal with an issue, therefore we need to provide different avenues of support in all areas of our community. We need to be checking up on our friends, our neighbours and we also need to be checking in with ourselves.
Thankfully, as adults, we are finally growing as a society and opening up more about our mental health concerns. It’s imperative we keep the conversation going, so our kids do not feel like they can not come to us for support.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) 1 in 5 children/youth in Ontario are dealing with a mental health challenge. About 70% of adults dealing with mental health issues have had their onset of challenges begin at childhood. Early identification and intervention are critical and can lead to improved achievement in school and better health outcomes later in life.
For a list of signs of mental illness in children please visit https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/child-and-youth-mental-health-signs-and-symptoms/
The unknown can be scary, especially when it comes to our health. But with the initiative to keep the conversation going, we can start to shed some light on what can be perceived as darkness.
From all of us, at WP Creations, we’re joining the conversation.