STAND BY ME
“Good mental health is so critical to our well-being, and yet it is often dismissed as less urgent or deserving of our care and attention. This leaves far too many to suffer in silence, fearing discrimination or stigma. - JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
The Canadian government provides several services and resources to support Canadians dealing with mental health issues. CAMH, one of the largest Canadian mental health teaching hospitals and research centres, revealed that 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness or addiction problems in their lifetime. Private companies have launched campaigns to bring awareness to this rampant issue. Bell Canada initiated the mental health campaign “Let’s Talk” in 2010, which has led to an open dialogue on mental health, bringing in over 160 Canadian companies to support this conversation, leading to increased awareness surrounding mental health issues. This has led the Canadian government to invest in mental health support programs such as the employee assistance program, resources for post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide prevention. These initiatives have helped Canadians efficiently and effectively, but substance abuse (i.e., drugs and alcohol) within the Muslim Somali diaspora and other similar cultures and backgrounds is often not discussed.
What’s Changing? Why it’s important to Adapt
Within society, mental health has been stigmatized for decades. Drugs and alcohol abuse is stigmatized in other harmful regards. It is often overlooked, undiscussed and seriously frowned upon, especially in the Somali community. This goes so far as the related statistics are difficult to find. Many Somali people have substance abuse issues with alcohol, marijuana, and khat. The limitations on treatment of this abuse are vast due to religious beliefs. It is important to break this cycle and inform the community of these drugs' effects, as awareness is key to treatment and prevention.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
SAMIA MOHAMED
COMMUNITY RELATIONS ADVISOR IN CANADA AND EAST AFRICA FOR GIVE TO LEARN TO GROW.
