Mental Health
Why do we invest in mental health?
Barriers such as poverty, social isolation, stigma, and a lack of accessible services prevent people from getting the mental health help they need. By focusing on mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention to ensure those impacted by mental health issues can access the supports they need before the issues become deep-rooted and harder to address.
The Stats
- More than half of Calgarians admit to needing mental health assistance in the past. Of these Calgarians, 70% felt they needed mental health care in the last year.
- 33% of Calgarians rated their mental health as only fair or poor.
- 60% of people suffering from addiction or mental illness will not seek the help they need because of the stigma associated with these issues.
- 43% of Calgarians feel stress due to their finances.
- By age 40, nearly half of all Canadians will have or have had a mental illness.
- 25% of Indigenous adults surveyed in Calgary reported having a mental health condition.
Impact Stories
Meet a few of the people whose lives have been improved thanks to support from people like you.
Savita
After Savita’s son was born, life at home became unsafe and isolating. With no close connections in a new city and new country, she turned to her computer—her only lifeline—to reach out for help.
Heather
Heather is a story about resilience, support, kindness, and gratitude. As she grew into adulthood, Heather struggled to understand her trauma but found support through United Way-supported care.
Carolina
Carolina and her family left everything behind in Venezuela to start a new life in Canada, choosing Calgary because of its educational opportunities for her daughter.
Impact in Action
The City of Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy
The strategy’s goals of “Be Well, Get Help, and Stay Safe” help Calgarians find hope and support for their mental health.