Warning: this article discusses mental health and suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 9-8-8.
Help is also available through the Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 and Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 (text 45645).
This year on Blue Monday experts are encouraging people to speak up about challenges with mental health and not suffer in silence.
Each year, the third Monday of January is dubbed ‘Blue Monday.’ While the origins of what was once considered the saddest day of the year have been debunked, the day remains a conversation starter regarding mental illness.
This year’s Blue Monday falls on Jan. 15, and the founders of HeChangedIt, a mental health app designed with men in mind, are urging people to speak up.
HeChangedIt was founded by an Okanagan tech company by a group from Kelowna.
READ MORE: Okanagan tech company helping men manage mental health
The company’s “Say it, Don’t Save it,” campaign encourages people to tell their loved ones how much they mean to them, rather than waiting for a devastating event to share their feelings.
In Canada, the rate of suicide is approximately three times higher among men compared to women.
Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults.
To de-stigmatize mental illness and start a conversation, the team at HeChangedIt has created blue images that people can post on Instagram.
If social media isn’t your thing, pick up the phone or send a text message to someone you care about.
HeChangedIt wants people to tell at least one person why they are grateful they are in their life or thank them for something they have done in the past that they never fully acknowledged.
The idea of the campaign is to connect with someone.
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