What mental health services can I find in Alberta?

Note. From Enterying Alberta [Photograph], by Raymond Hitchcok, 2009, Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:72010_Entering_Alberta.jpg). CC BY-SA.

Did you know that over half a million teenagers in Alberta have sought mental health services between 2021 and 2022 (Alberta Health Services, 2019)? That's more than the entire population of some small countries! But what services are available, and how can they help you? Let's dive in and explore the resources waiting to support you on your journey to better mental health.

In this blog, you will find some facts about adolescence and the mental health services you can apply for in Alberta, Canada. Like you, there are 586.000 teenagers; that's a lot, right? (Ycharts, n.d.). But as you can see, some many backgrounds and situations might vary greatly from one teenager to another. For that, we want to include as much information as we can so you can find what best meets your needs. Just a quick reminder that you will always be able to find help; no matter what your situation is, you don’t have to go through any process alone! 

Note. From Peace Bridge in Clagary (Alberta, Canada) [Photograph] by Ken Lane, 2014, Flickr. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlane/15508524282/in/photostream/). CC BY-NC-SA.

Who are the Teens That Live in Alberta? 

As it was mentioned above, there are many adolescents, with different backgrounds, living together in Alberta. This is something good because now you know that no matter what your background is, there are more adolescents like you. Here are some places where most of the teens come from. There are of course adolescents from indigenous background, adolescents who were born in Alberta or other parts of Canada, and adolescents coming from other places of the world. Some of these places are Philippines, India, China, United Kingdom, Pakistan, United States of America, Viet Nam, Nigeria, Hong Kong, and Mexico (Statistic Canada, 2022).

Given the amount of places and the amount of teens, could you imagine how many adolescents used mental health services more than 4 times in Alberta during the period between 2021 and 2022? According to the statistics, it was an estimate of 540.545, which is awesome, right? (Alberta, n.d.). This means that adolescents in Alberta are aware of their mental health and are taking the time that they need to fully complete the sessions. Perhaps you could use these services until you feel better, or maybe until you find the tools that you need to face a specific situation. There is no specific amount of time. It depends on everyone’s needs.

What are Some Cultural Beliefs About Mental Health? 

People! We need to break the stigma that Albertans believe in regarding mental health. People every day are afraid to seek help because of the belief that they will be judged or deemed "soft.”. This mental health battle can also stem from your family tree as well. No, your family’s history doesn't makeup what your problems are, but it can have something to do with why your mood or feelings are getting worse (Alberta, 2024). Even the toughest of them all need someone to talk to. Break barriers and seek help now! 

Free Resources Available in Alberta

1. Mental Health help

We chose this website in the first place because, when you access the link, you will immediately find what you need. Whether you are looking for information or facing a crisis and need immediate support, this website can help. This website will provide you with the numbers that you can call to get the assistance that you need. Something worth mentioning is that these calls are free. Additionally, there is another awesome option, and it is that you can contribute by helping others as well. It is pretty easy to use, and that is what we need in those moments when we feel vulnerable.

2. Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health

Our second top pick for teens in Alberta is the Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health page. It's your go-to spot for anything related to mental health and addiction. Whether you need info on different mental health conditions, coping tips, or addiction support, this page has got it all covered.

What's really great is how easy it is to find help when you need it most. If you're ever in a crisis or just need someone to talk to, you can quickly find hotline numbers and support services right on the website. Knowing these resources are there can be a real comfort when things feel rough.

But here's the really awesome part – it's not just about getting help for yourself. This page also encourages you to be part of a supportive community. You can find ways to help others who might be struggling too. It's all about looking out for each other and being there as a team.

So, if you ever need info or support on mental health or addiction stuff, definitely check out Alberta Health Services' Addiction and Mental Health page. It's like having a reliable friend who's always got your back when you need them most.

3. Distress Centre 

This website is similar to the others that we have listed previously. One difference is that you can apply to help others who are in need. If your mental health is being affected by loneliness, then you can take action by helping others and creating a community where a feeling of belonging can be developed. Apart from this awesome feature, you will be able to find numbers to call in case you need to talk to someone and different resources to help you learn more about mental health topics. Remember that there is always power in information, whether it is for you or for a loved one. This could always be your first step to begin your journey toward self-care. 

Closing

Life can be scary, lonely, and overwhelming. You are not alone. So many people your age feel that way. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, especially if you are suffering silently, trying to win the battle alone and without help. You don’t need to let these feelings consume your life. There is help. You just need to take a step and reach out. Fortunately, Alberta offers mental health services free of charge. There are websites listed that can help you take that first step. Remember, your struggles do not define who you are, taking care of your mental health is an act of self-love.

Call-to-Action

We encourage you to use the services that are available in Alberta. Most of those services provide free guidance and resources. Remember, there is courage in asking for help; don’t wait until it gets more difficult! We have to normalize asking for help and identifying when we need it. Take action as soon as you identify some symptoms that can negatively impact your life. Maintain your eyes wide open. Sometimes the people who are near us are screaming for help, but no one notices it. If you do, please refer that person to the links that were provided previously in this blog and try helping that person overcome whatever the situation might be. There is always help, and there is always something more that you can do. Don’t give up! 

Note. From Self care by Vatsla Adhikari, 2022, Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Self_Care_-_Art4Good.png). CC BY-SA.

Reference List

Adhikari, V. (2022, March 3). Self care. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Self_Care_-_Art4Good.png

Alberta. (n.d.). Current provincial population estimates. https://www.alberta.ca/population-statistics#:~:text=As%20of%20January%201%2C%202024%2C%20Alberta's%20population%20was%204%2C800%2C768.

Alberta. (n.d.). Mental health high frequency hospital visits. http://www.ahw.gov.ab.ca/IHDA_Retrieval/selectCategory.do 

Alberta Health Services. (2019). Addiction and Mental Health | Alberta Health Services. Alberta Health Services. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/amh.aspx  

Breaking the stigma of Mental Health in Alberta. Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association. (2024, February 1). https://www.ruralcrimewatch.ab.ca/news/articles/breaking-stigma-mental-health-alberta 

Hitchcock, R. (2009, July 30). Entering Alberta. Wikkimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:72010_Entering_Alberta.jpg 

Lane, K. (2014, October 11). Peace Bridge in Calgary (Alberta, Canada). Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlane/15508524282/in/photostream/

Statistics Canada. (2022, December 16). Focus on geography series, 2021 census of population Alberta, province. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/page.cfm?lang=E&topic=8&dguid=2021A000248

Ycharts. (n.d.). Alberta youth population. https://ycharts.com/indicators/alberta_youth_population#:~:text=Alberta%20Youth%20Population%20is%20at,6.95%25%20from%20one%20year%20ago.