Sunday Oct. 10 marks World Mental Health Day.

It is an international day recognizing the importance of mental health, while providing education and awareness to eliminate the stigma.

Many are calling this more important than ever after we have seen peoples mental health severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in front line workers, students, and those who live alone.

This has been no different in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau releasing a statement early Sunday morning recognizing the difficulties people have faced over the past month and a half.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant source of stress for most Canadians, and our mental health has suffered. Business owners have struggled to stay afloat. Many workers have faced unemployment. Parents have had to adjust to working from home. Students have had to adapt to online learning. Front-line health care workers bravely continued providing care, faced with extremely stressful working conditions and the worry of bringing home the COVID-19 virus. We’ve all made sacrifices to keep each other and our communities safe.”

Locally in Thunder Bay, there are a variety of supports if you or someone you know are suffering a mental health crises.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is unable to provide counselling or services, but does direct people to specific outlets if they are in need of help:

Call 911
Visit your nearest emergency department
Call Crisis Response
Thunder Bay: 346-8282
Thunder Bay District: 1-888-269-3100

To find out where you can access counselling support and treatment for mental health concerns:

Call 211 or visit the 211 North Website
Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit the ConnexOntario website

World Mental Health Day was originally celebrated in 1992, and since then has grown significantly, being recognized by hundreds of nations across the globe.

This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health for All: Let’s Make it a Reality.’