Mental Health Takes Work - Just Like Everything Else Worth Having
“Don’t wait for a healthy mind, work for it.” — Kayla Taylor
When we think about improving our physical health, we rarely expect it to happen passively. We hit the gym, tweak our diet, track our steps, and schedule time for rest and recovery. We accept that getting stronger, leaner, or healthier requires consistency and effort.
But when it comes to our mental health? Many of us wait. We hope it gets better. We assume it will improve with time, or that feeling “off” is just something we have to live with.
That mindset needs to change… Just as we work to build muscle, grow relationships, or advance our careers, mental health requires intentional effort.
We Work for Gains in Other Areas, Why Not in Mental Health?
We dedicate time to exercising, studying, learning, networking, practicing an instrument… the list goes on and on. These things don’t just happen, we create results through repeated effort.
Mental health is no different! Taking care of your mind involves practices like:
Neurofeedback Therapy and/or Counselling
Medication or Supplementation
Individual Strategies (Cognitive, Behavioural, and Emotional). Such as:
Taking time for self-reflection & journaling
Mindfulness and meditation
Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and other self-care routines
Building healthy relationships and setting appropriate boundaries
Managing stress intentionally
These are not emergency interventions - they are ongoing maintenance strategies. Think of these as daily reps for your brain, the long runs for your emotional endurance, and the deep stretches that keep your thoughts flexible and resilient.
The Data Supports a High Need for Mental Health Support!
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people globally live with a mental health disorder. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Statistics Canada, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year with a whopping 50% of Canadians having had a mental illness by age 40. That is 1 in 2!!! Think of all the people you know… and then consider these statistics again.
Unfortunately, despite these stats, far fewer people take proactive steps to protect or strengthen their mental health until they’re in a crisis.
What If Mental Health Was Treated Like Physical Health?
Imagine a world where we talked openly about our therapy appointments the way we talk about spin class. Where mental wellness routines were as common as fitness ones. Where people said, “I’m working on my anxiety” as casually as “I’m working on my core.”
That world starts with us. It starts with the understanding that mental health is not a luxury or a background feature, it’s a daily practice. It’s not shameful or embarrassing, it's simply normal and natural.
We can’t always control mental illness any more than we can prevent every physical ailment. But we can build resilience, awareness, and coping tools that help us move through life with greater strength and stability.
While there can be some financial barriers to accessing mental health support for some, there shouldn’t be emotional barriers due to the stigma associated with it.
Small Steps Count
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small:
Do some meet and greets with a few different therapists to get a sense of their style, techniques, and methods used to support mental health
Come for a (free) information session at Sano State Psychology
Talk to professionals about costs, insurance coverage, and inquire about the potential of lower-cost options if needed (sometimes even private practices like our own will do sliding-scale fee’s)
Show up to your appointments or engage in daily practices consistently.
Your mind deserves as much care as your body, your career, or your social life! Don’t wait for a healthy mind, work for it.
Wherever you are at in your mental health journey, please come in and meet with us, we’d love to connect.
Get in touch with us HERE or by calling 587-333-6349. 💙
Disclaimer
Our content is for informational and educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're facing mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Every individual's situation is unique, so use the information here at your discretion. While we strive for accuracy, the field of psychology is ever-evolving, and our content may not always reflect the latest research. Please prioritize your privacy by avoiding sharing personal information in comments or interactions. Your well-being is our top concern, so use our content for educational purposes, but remember to rely on professionals for your specific needs.
