Saskatchewan public awareness campaign launched as Angus Reid study on mental health released

The province launches a public awareness campaign on mental health and addictions around the same time the Angus Reid study on pandemic fatigue is released.

With efforts on creating public awareness on mental health and addictions, a campaign aimed to address the stigma has been launched.

The province announced the campaign called There is Help, There is Hope that focuses on changing attitudes, behaviours and beliefs that contribute to the stigma.

“It’s important to know in these challenging times, we’re all facing more mental health challenges,” said Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s minister of mental health and addictions. “We want people to know there is help out there and there is hope for people.”

The public awareness campaign features Saskatchewan people who have experienced addictions, mental health issues, or have counselled people with those experiences.

The campaign will be featured through various channels such as television, cinema, radio, billboard, transit buses, and social media. To reach the Cree and Dene communities, translations will be provided for the radio spots.

“It’s important to break down the stigma, because we are not that label,” stated Tommy LaPlante, an addictions counsellor featured in the campaign. “We are so much more, we are people. If we can get rid of the labels, and get to know and love people, they’ll feel supported. The important thing to know is there is help, and there is hope.”

With the launch of the campaign, it ties in with the recently released Angus Reid study focused on pandemic fatigue.

According to the study, one in three Canadians are struggling with their mental health.