Mental Health Services are Key to Society’s Recovery – We Need Your Support Today

In the last 18 months, our world has changed. Life as we knew it has turned upside down and we’ve heard over and over again words like “unprecedented, pivot, and social-distancing”—words we probably never want to hear again.

Let’s all take a deep breath. Where do we go from here? We see people receiving their vaccines and restrictions have begun to loosen. Our outlook is hopeful and optimistic as we look at reconnecting to each other this year. But what now? How do we begin to navigate mental health needs in a post-pandemic world?

Mental health services are key to society’s recovery, and CMHA Calgary needs your continued support to provide our much-needed mental health programs to Calgary and area.

A recent survey by the Health Quality Council of Alberta conducted from May to June 2020, reported 72% of Albertans have difficulty coping with stress, anxiety or depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic. People are struggling in a myriad of ways including precarious or lost employment, health concerns, and especially grief and loss.

We are all looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy hugging our loved ones, heading back to the office regularly, being able to go to the movies or out for dinner. But how do we begin to deal with all the emotions that have happened in the last year?

Calgarians are resilient. We’ve seen it time and time again. We come together when we need it most, and whether it’s a flood, an economic downturn or a pandemic, we bond together.

Some people will need extra supports in this post-pandemic world. Restoring their hope, renewing their connections, and rebuilding their sense of belonging.

And that’s where CMHA Calgary comes in. We provide an inclusive, integrated client-centred service model.

We are the go-to organization for community mental health where we are supportive of our client’s mental health journey.

Specifically, our Recovery College is focused on helping students recognize and develop their own resourcefulness and awareness to support themselves or their loved one’s recovery journey.

Our goal is to provide Recovery College students with a sense of hope and strengthen their overall recovery. In fact, in 2020, 83% of our students said they gained information or skills to support their own wellness, while 71% felt more hopeful. All this during a time when our world was turned upside down.

PROVIDING SERVICES THAT ARE AS BARRIER-FREE AS POSSIBLE REQUIRES YOUR SUPPORT.

Your donations and ongoing support help CMHA Calgary serve as a gateway to wellness and community for people with mental health concerns.

We are not completely out of this pandemic yet, and we know the mental health effects will continue for many years to come.

Your investment in our work makes all the difference.

We are strong. We are resilient. We are in this together.

Our Peer Support program services can be accessed over the phone at 403-297-1402 or through email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca. We have teamed up with other Calgary agencies to help Calgarians quickly and easily access various counselling and social supports. Visit www.communityconnectyyc.ca, where you can book online for our Suicide Bereavement and Family Support Counselling, and other supports. If you prefer to still book through us, please phone (403-297-1708), or email (counsellingintake@cmha.calgary.ab.ca).