As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close and the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week begins, we stand alongside you in amplifying our collective voices to foster understanding, empathy, and support for mental health. 

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This week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing, addressing, and advocating for mental health and wellness within our communities. 

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Mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being, and yet the stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents individuals from seeking the help they deserve. Did you know that 1 in 2 Canadians will experience a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age?

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Continuing deeper into our discussion, some compelling statistics further underscore our collective need for mental health advocacy in Canada. A staggering 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in any given year, and every week, at least 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems. 

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These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet, they represent our family members, friends, and colleagues. They are reflections of our nation. 

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The economic impact is also noteworthy, with such a high toll of mental illness costing the Canadian economy nearly $50 billion annually. This includes the strain on the healthcare system, lost hours of work and productivity, and the ripple effects on families and communities. 

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We know that therapy can be extremely costly without private insurance, and waitlists remain long, even for those who can afford therapy. At Shift Collab, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health concerns without fear or judgment. Here’s how we can help: 

1. Instant match - Take our free 5-minute matching questionnaire and get matched instantly with the right therapist for you. 
2. Skip the waitlist - We make finding an amazing therapist easy and have over 100 social workers and psychotherapists who are immediately available to navigate all of life’s challenges. 
3. Support others - We’re encouraging individuals like you to reach out to your friends & family during awareness week by using our SHIFT steps.
4. Free workplace tools - Whether you're an employee, manager, HR lead, or executive, let's work on it together.

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During this week, we encourage everyone to engage in meaningful conversations, educate themselves and others about mental health, and support those who may be struggling. Here are a few resources to get you started: 

1. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a recommended resource that supports mental health and wellness in Canada. They provide a wide range of programs and services, including education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. The CMHA has branches in every province and territory, making it accessible to people across the country.
2. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a national organization that works to promote mental health and wellness and improve the mental health system in Canada. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations, to develop and implement initiatives that address mental health issues. The MHCC also provides resources and tools for individuals and organizations to promote mental health in their communities.
3. Jack.org is a youth-led organization that focuses on mental health advocacy and education. They empower young people to become leaders in their communities and promote positive mental health. Jack.org provides resources, training, and support to help young people start conversations about mental health and create change in their schools and communities.
4. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is a national organization that works to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities. They provide resources and support for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Their website offers information on warning signs, risk factors, and how to help someone in crisis.

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Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, understood, and celebrated.

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