(Nik Shuliahin)

By Josh Hall and Sheldon Spackman

eliminating stigma

Local supports available as globe marks World Mental Health Day

Oct 10, 2020 | 12:19 PM

Saturday is World Mental Health Day, an occasion that’s taken on a whole new level of importance as the global COVID-19 pandemic rages on.

In 2020, one of the most important parts of studying mental illness and its impacts is finding a way to reduce stigma.

“Mental illness can affect everyone in this world. It’s not just a North American problem, or the problem of a certain demographic. It’s a human problem and we need to pay attention,” says Christine Stewart, executive director at Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Red Deer.

“On one hand, COVID-19 has pulled people together to work through this. But on the other, we’re starting to see the toll taken on people who’ve been in this since March and are exhausted from the lack of social and family connection, as well as the overall change in our everyday lifestyle. People are starting to wear thin.”

Stewart says at the central Alberta branch of CMHA, calls for assistance are up. The crisis counsellor there had 150 calls in all of 2019, but has fielded 177 so far this year, as of Sept. 30.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

“On the plus side, people are really reaching out and accessing supports,” Stewart points out. “I hope our numbers keep going up because it means people are seeking out the supports they need.”

Stewart says the most common problem areas are family dynamics and financial stress.

CMHA offers courses online, accessible at reddeer.cmha.ca. One can also call 403-342-2266 for more information.

Meantime, as the national coronavirus pandemic response continues, the Government of Canada and provincial partners are joining forces to address the mental health and substance use challenges facing Canadians, which have increased because of the pandemic.

On Friday, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Health, announced an investment of more than $10.2 million in COVID-19 mental health and substance use research.

This investment is expected to support 55 research teams from across the country to tackle the mental health and substance use crisis that is emerging as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These researchers will address the mental health and substance use needs of individuals, communities and populations, and the effects on health care systems due to the pandemic. They will also develop evidence so that Canadians who need access to mental health and substance use services are able to receive them.

Findings will be used immediately to inform policy and practice to respond to the evolving crisis.

Funding is provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

“Alberta’s COVID Mental Health Action Plan invests more than $53 million to enhance online, phone and in-person mental health and addiction recovery supports for. This is in addition to the $140 million already committed over four years to implement a new addiction and mental health strategy,” said Jason Luan, Alberta’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, on Saturday.

“It’s also important that we continue to be there for each other. Reach out to friends, family and neighbours to lend a hand and support each other’s mental health. We will get through these tough times together.”

RELATED: Red Deer unemployment rate sees decrease in September