Need help now? Call 9-1-1 for immediate help. If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Learn more about mental health services.
Mental health is key to overall well-being
Mental health is what allows us to think, feel, and act in ways that help us reach our potential, enjoy life fully, and deal with stressors. Many factors affect a person’s mental health, like access to basic needs and life events. Everyone experiences mental health in their own way.
Build your mental health
The 5 Ways to Well-being are five simple everyday actions that can help improve and maintain mental health.
Below are more strategies that may also be helpful:
- Use skills and supports that helped you through tough times in the past;
- Take care of your body as best you can (i.e., eat, sleep, drink water, and be active);
- Be kind to yourself;
- Connect regularly with loved ones or other supports;
- Talk to others about how you feel – whether it be a friend, family member, or a professional;
- Build skills to help you relax (i.e., deep breathing or meditation);
- Make self-care a priority as best you can and start small.
Talk about your mental health
It is important to know how to talk about your mental health. This Have That Talk video from Ottawa Public Health can help you learn how to talk about mental health.
Reach out for help
If you need help now, call 911 or contact a crisis intervention service. Information is available if you need help related to preventing suicide.
If building your mental health on your own feels overwhelming, it may be helpful to reach out to a professional for support. Learn about mental health services in your area.
Other mental health related topics
Related information is available on these Health Unit pages: