May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to educate and reduce stigmas surrounding mental health challenges while encouraging individuals to seek support as needed.
“I think it’s really important for people to feel enabled and empowered to tell their story,” Morrison says. “Just being able to talk about oneself is very healing.”
Morrison emphasized the importance of understanding and accepting challenges others may be facing. “It’s important that everyone gets educated…and learns patience, tolerance, and kindness with one another.”
Addiction can follow those struggling with anxiety and depression, underscoring the need to proactively address mental health challenges.
Morrison encourages parents to adopt a similar perspective with their children: kids should feel free to speak their mind and express feelings, and parents should avoid judgment and offer unconditional love.
COVID-19 restrictions also led to increased mental health challenges, especially in young people, due to resulting isolation. “People need people. We need connection and we need community.”
While Morrison discussed various professional options, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors, she says speaking with anyone can be helpful.
“Anyone can listen… It could be a friend, a family member, anyone who is going to be non-judgmental” Morrison explains. “More of us need to be counsellors without the title.”
Morrison recommends practicing mindfulness and living in the moment. “Looking back can lead to depression, looking forward leads to anxiety. Living in today gives us peace and serenity.”
