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.
Robert
At 78 years old, after more than five decades of marriage, Robert lived through a season he didn’t see coming. His wife experienced a sudden brain injury, and he became her full-time caregiver.
Lilian
When she was in her early 20s Lilian made a brave move to flee a volatile home, driven by desperation to protect herself and her siblings.
Cass and Charles
As Cass and Charles formed a relationship, they began saving for a place to call home. They pooled earnings to stay in motels, while staff at the Hub provided mobile food hampers and grocery gift cards that helped them stretch their income and build toward their goal.
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.