Organizations say more Manitobans are seeking mental health supports
Posted May 6, 2026 6:53 pm.
Across Canada, Mental Health Week is bringing attention to the growing need for accessible support, and organizations in Manitoba say more people are reaching out for help than ever before.
“Increasingly, people are reaching out, especially from what I work with, I work with youth. So, a lot of parents are reaching out on behalf of their kids trying to find some resources somewhere to kind of help them out, and it can be really hard to find resources for youth, especially for mental health,” said Mood.
This year’s Mental Health Week campaign focuses on connection, support, and reducing stigma.
“Certainly, as we think of connection this week, we are highlighting loneliness. We often say that loneliness is one of the most prominent mental illnesses that’s not found in the DSM five, and so ensuring that we have an opportunity to encourage people to find those connections,” said Stephen P. Sutherland, the director of philanthropy and corporate partnerships at the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Tracey Bone, an associate professor at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba, added, “To be able to say mental health and not feel stigmatized by it, not being embarrassed by saying those magical words because there’s really nothing magical about it. Mental health is no different from physical health, but for some reason, mental health has quite a stigma attached to it.”
Students at the University of Manitoba shared their thoughts on mental health support and stress.
“Just being kind to myself is something that I’ve been learning to do a lot, especially in school. I’ve been in school for way too long. I’m just trying to create a routine, get through it, and live my life, which is always going to be like who knows up and down,” said Clara Toth, a student.
Misha Turychenko, another student, said, “I’ve been a bit stressed. I’ve been burnt out, but I’ve taken – given myself some time and I’m hoping that from this point it’ll be a lot easier.”
Advocates hope that Mental Health Week encourages more people to seek help and support one another. The goal is to ensure no one struggles alone.
“I really want people to understand that they matter during this mental health week. We want to ensure that the Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast know how important it is to connect for our mental health and well-being,” said Sutherland.
