Mental health, encompassing both psychological and physical aspects, stands as a fundamental component of overall wellness.
Nevertheless, according to the 2020-2021 Quebec Population Health Survey [1], approximately 39% of the population now falls within the higher echelons of the psychological distress scale, a figure surpassing the 2014-2015 rate of 32% for all genders and age groups combined.
The journey toward improving mental health remains extensive, particularly as persistent stigmas continue to exist.
In light of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we spotlight Relief, an organization offering guidance, assistance, and self-management support.
A course in relief
The word "relief" carries a profound meaning for our organization, symbolizing a surface marked by undulations, peaks, and irregularities. The dedicated Relief team recognizes
that the path to mental health is fraught with challenges but also punctuated by triumphs.
Given that mental health doesn't follow alinear trajectory, the organization aims to assist individuals in discovering how to enhance their lives amidst their unique journeys of relief.
The mission of this Montreal-based non-profit organization, serving as a national center of expertise, is to provide assistance to individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, as well as extending support to their loved ones. Their objective? Empower them to continue progressing forward.
For over three decades, Relief has been offering direct access to complementary services, addressing the resource scarcity exacerbated by lengthy waiting lists for mental health care.
All processes remain under close supervision, with a steadfast commitment to upholding areas of expertise. The Relief team refrains from making diagnoses or therapeutic assessments, opting instead for a collaborative approach involving specialists in the field, individuals navigating mental health challenges, their support networks, and the broader
community.
Strategies Proposed by Relief
In addition to the crucial practice of active listening in this approach, the organization puts forth recommendations for enhancing daily well-being.
Among these strategies, Relief extends its provision of support groups for individuals affected by mental health challenges and their loved ones. Conducted over a ten-week duration, these self-management workshops furnish practical techniques aimed at assisting individuals in reclaiming a higher quality of life.
Furthermore, the organization extends complimentary on-demand support through telephone, email, or in-person interactions, accessible Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Relief also maintains a secure discussion forum moderated by its team.
The newly introduced personalized support service, facilitated by mental health counselors and available in 16 different themes (exclusively in French), is tailored to the specific goals of participants. This flexible and individualized assistance can be seamlessly integrated with
other Relief services.
This innovative program was collaboratively developed by individuals who have firsthand experience with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, a research team, and professionals in the field of mental health.
Relief further extends its reach by offering training to professional teams interested in conducting self-management workshops for their clientele. Additionally, the organization provides support to businesses through its “Relief for Business” program.
Self-Management: The Core of Relief
Relief distinguishes itself by centering its services on the foundational principle of self-management, renowned for its innovative approach grounded in evidence-based practices.
Self-management isn't merely an aspect of Relief's operations; it is the essence that underpins all their offerings. With the ultimate objective of promoting recovery, self-management encompasses preventing relapses, alleviating symptoms, and early detection of warning signs, among other goals.
According to Relief, this practice, endorsed by the Institut national d'excellence en santé et services sociaux, has demonstrated its effectiveness in symptom reduction for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. It has also shown success in enhancing treatment adherence and bolstering self-confidence.
It's crucial to note that Relief's self-management support is designed to complement rather than replace pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
A Person-Centered Approach
The sense of powerlessness can be incredibly overwhelming for anyone who has grappled with the consequences of anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
To the mental health team at Relief, it remains essential that individuals receiving their services stay firmly at the core of their journey. This is why Relief emphasizes the importance of empowering those who utilize its services to reclaim control over their mental health. This empowerment is achieved through the provision of strategies, tools, and behavioral guidance.
Self-management, at its core, emanates from the motivation to take action. Relief encourages active involvement from the individuals under their care, inviting them to play
a pivotal role in their own well-being. This involvement entails exploring personal strengths and weaknesses, evaluating mood and health fluctuations, and making conscious choices that can tangibly influence their circumstances.
One Step Further on the Path to Mental Health
Renowned as a frontrunner in the realm of mental health, Relief has actively participated in numerous awareness campaigns, concurrently delivering presentations and webinars to diverse audiences.
Interested in one of the organization's services? For more information, we invite you to visit the Relief website or reaching out to them via telephone at 1-866-738-4873.
Relief does not specialize in immediate intervention. Is your suffering unmanageable? Help is just a phone call away.
Info-Social 8-1-1
Urgences-Santé 9-1-1
Suicide Action Montréal 1-866-277-3553
On October 10 and throughout the year, it remains crucial to stay mindful of mental health concerns. Do you practice self-management? What tools do you employ to nurture your mental well-being?