Mental Health Matters – Let’s Keep Talking
January can feel like an uphill climb. The holidays are behind us, the days are short and cold, and financial and personal pressures can feel heavier than usual. It’s no wonder the third Monday of January, often called “Blue Monday,” is described as the saddest day of the year.
While the idea of Blue Monday began as a marketing campaign, it’s a powerful reminder to check in with ourselves and those around us. Mental health challenges don’t follow a calendar and many people struggle silently. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness is vital to ensuring individuals and families can seek the help they need when they need it most.
What we’re seeing in Calgary
The Calgary Foundation’s 2024 Quality of Life Report reveals a stark reality – only 56% of Calgarians rate their mental health as good or excellent, down from 59% the previous year. Additionally, 29% say they don’t have access to mental health services and support, and 32% are unable to find a family doctor.
These stats highlight the challenges people in our community face everyday—but they also serve as a call to action.
Your support helps to address these challenges head-on. In 2023, United Way of Calgary and Area funded 45 partner agencies to support 90 mental health programs, assisting a total of 92,771 individuals.
Every act of support, no matter how small, is a beacon of hope and contributes to a stronger, healthier Calgary.
A Community United for Mental Health
The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports 60% of people who are suffering from addiction or poor mental health do not seek help due to the stigma associated with these issues. United, we can change this.
At United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way), mental health is one of our key focus areas. We’re working with partners across our city to understand and address the factors that contribute to poor mental health. We’re coming together to break down barriers to important conversations and connect individuals and families with the mental health resources they need.
One of the ways we are doing this is as a partner and convener for agencies, government, volunteers and others across our community. We are at the table for city-wide initiatives, including the Calgary Mental Health & Addictions Strategy, and drive change through initiatives we lead including Action Table Calgary and our Signature Initiatives: All In for Youth, Planet Youth Calgary, Healthy Aging Alberta and Community Hubs Initiative All In for Youth and Planet Youth Calgary are helping to identify and address mental health needs for youth, while Healthy Aging Alberta is ensuring seniors have the supports they need to age with dignity, at home and on their own terms. United Way’s Community Hubs Initiative brings neighbours and neighbourhoods together, providing access to essential services at the ground level. Together, these programs help create a foundation of mental wellness by addressing barriers that can exacerbate mental health challenges, such as social isolation or financial stress.
Making mental health a priority
Today, right now, is the perfect time to check in with a friend, a family member or a colleague. Ask how they’re really doing – and take the time to listen. Reflect on your own mental health, too. Whether it’s committing to regular exercise, practicing mindfulness or simply taking a break, small steps can make a big difference.
Each of us holds the power to spark positive change and inspire hope within our community. Together, we can create a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through our actions—big and small—we create a ripple of hope that reaches across Calgary, making a difference for all.
Let’s keep the conversation going—because every word, every act of kindness and every bit of support makes a difference. United, we can build a community that prioritizes mental health and ensures everyone feels they belong.
If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like the Distress Centre Calgary and Calgary Counselling Centre are here to help. The Distress Centre offers 24-hour crisis support, simply by dialing 211, while the Calgary Counselling Centre has supports for individuals, couples, families or groups. You can register for counselling here.