Positive Mental Health

POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTHHEALTH

HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE BUILDING POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

United Way invests in prevention and early intervention programs which provide a wide range of community-based services that help improve social support, self-regulation of emotion and coping skills, as well as increase access to help and support. With positive mental health, we are better able to cope and thrive personally and professionally.

Thanks to your generous donations,

$635,710

was invested in our community in 2021 to ensure that people can access the supports they need to experience positive mental health.

NOW I AM HAPPY, I ENCOURAGE, I SYMPATHIZE, AND I FEEL

"I have cried, I have been sad, I have been hurt, I have been depressed, and I have attempted suicide. That was before this program entered my life. Now I laugh, I smile, I joke, I am happy, I encourage, I sympathize, and I feel. Sometimes I still get sad, but the people in the program help the sadness goes away. Coping with life is still challenging, but I practice this mantra from a book I read: "I show up. I listen. I try to laugh. " I show up. Enough to carry on with my life now. A life I once thought was not worth living. I owe so much to this program. If it had not come to me when I needed it most, I would not be here today to write about my story. Thank you to this program and the United Way. "

Mental health, poverty and overall wellbeing are connected. People who struggle with mental illness are more likely to have chronic illnesses, and mental illness can impact a person ’ s ability to pursue education or find employment. Good mental health helps us enjoy our life and the people in it.

MENTAL HEALTH

STRESS LEVELS

Roughly

of Canadians indicated that their mental health had gotten worse in 2020.

1/2

YOUTH WELLBEING

Almost

of youth said they feel like they have too many problems.

At least

45%

1 IN 4

people feel too stressed on a daily basis.

This year, your donation helped members in our community access programs and services that helped them cope with life's challenges and improve their mental health.

12,874

have better coping skills and feel like they can handle difficult emotions.

people feel less isolated and that they have the social support to work through challenges.

individuals have an increased sense of wellbeing.

people report having increased self esteem.

people have improved knowledge of local services and how to access them.