Kindness Matters: World Mental Health Day is Friday, but every day is a good day to seek help

By What Matters to Hatters Coalition on October 9, 2025.

Did you know that World Mental Health Day is Friday, Oct.10? World Mental Health Day is an annual event that highlights the importance of learning about different ways we can stay mentally healthy and acknowledging that not everyone cares for their mental health in the same way. On this day and every day, we want you to know that asking for help regarding mental health is an act of resilience, and by learning strategies now, we can employ those strategies at stressful times.

There are many evidence-based ways to support your mental wellbeing and that of those you care about. We want to highlight three that we hope you will utilize. The first is to connect with others! It seems so simple but lack of connection has been linked with many negative consequences including a greater likelihood of poor mental health, greater susceptibility to chronic diseases, and a shortened lifespan. Connecting with others can boost meaning and purpose, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging.

The What Matters to Hatters Coalition has partnered with other community organizations to offer free opportunities to connect including our monthly Sidewalk Talks (the next one is October 10 noon to 1 pm at the Veiner Centre) Brews and Board Game nights (the next one is October 23 from 6 to 9 pm at MT Nest CafÃ©). We have been offering these events monthly and the feedback has been amazing. It might feel awkward at first, but trust us, you will have a great time! Learn more about these events and other great opportunities to connect at http://www.whatmatterstohatters.com!

We also encourage everyone to listen more! When you ask someone, “how are you?”, take the time to be present and let the other person know you want to make space for the real answer. The time you offer to another person may be just what they need to get through a difficult time and get the help they need. If you are the one who is struggling and someone has asked you the same question, take a moment to gauge the value of an honest answer. If possible, share how you are doing. Being vulnerable and potentially being seen is a risk but it may also create a deeper connection with someone you feel safe with. It’s a courageous act that can transform your relationship with yourself and those around you.

Finally, ask for help! Of course, this is not easy for many of us. We may be afraid we will be judged. We may think it makes us look weak. We might worry that people will reject us. There are many reasons we tell ourselves not to ask for help. The truth is, when we don’t ask for help, we jeopardize our well-being. We make things harder for ourselves and this can reinforce unhealthy expectations for ourselves while setting up a personal standard that discourages vulnerability. Reaching out for help is a critical act of self-care but we may not always know where to turn. If you are not comfortable talking with a friend, family member or coworker, there are many good resources available in our community. Medicine Hat Family Services offers a range of supports including counselling and group programs for as little as $8.00 per session. Check them out at http://www.mhfamilyservice.com or call them at (403) 504-8026 for more information. The Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 and Health Link at 811 are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Another option is to text CONNECT to 741741. If you are in crisis, call 911 or 988 (the Suicide Crisis Helpline) or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you have never read this monthly column, you may not be familiar with The What Matters to Hatters Coalition. Our vision is to create kindness, foster connection, and encourage people to act with compassion. What Matters to Hatters was created in 2022 in response to

the impacts of social isolation, lack of connection, and loneliness experienced in our community. We are working to address these issues while also taking actionable steps to reduce stigma around mental illness and substance use. Our coalition consists of members from the community, from the City of Medicine Hat Community Development Program, the Veiner Centre, Ever Active Schools, Recovery Alberta, the YMCA Community Helpers Program, and Primary Care Alberta. In addition to our website (www.whatmatterstohatters.com), you can also find us on Facebook and X (Twitter).

We leave you with this quote that inspires us in our efforts:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

— African Proverb

The Kindness Matters column is put together by members of the What Matters to Hatters Coalition