Access content

Mental Health weekMay 7-13, 2012
Canadian Mental Health Association – Mental Health Week
Stay informed Please donate

If you can count on a network of solid, positive relationships, you're part way there!

We all have to manage multiple demands in our work, finances and relationships. It isn't easy to stay on top, but there are coping mechanisms that can help you.

Try taking our short quiz (see sidebar) about the relationship area of your life. If you answer "yes" to most of the questions, you're probably doing quite well in that regard. Healthy relationships are the bedrock of a happy life.

Note any questions to which you answer "no" — these may be areas that need your attention. Then review the strategies summarized below.

Some Useful Strategies

1. Relationships

  • Make more of a priority of the people who are special to you.
  • Connect with your community.
  • Be more neighbourly.
  • Offer a helping hand.

2. Self-regard

  • Keep a journal.
  • Share thoughts with others.
  • Try new things.
  • Indulge yourself.
  • Stand up for yourself.

3. Physical health

  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Drink only in moderation.
  • Kick smoking or drug habits though a help program.
  • Manage stress better.

4. Financial health

  • Get professional help with financial planning.
  • Create a monthly budget and savings plan.
  • Use government/employer plans to save more.
  • Review your financial portfolio regularly.

5. Love

  • Regularly show your partner you understand and care.
  • Be a good, non-judgmental listener.
  • Let them enjoy separate friends and activities.
  • Always be open and honest.

6. Meaning in life

  • Set life goals and regularly review them.
  • Make time to pursue your passions.
  • Stop and "smell the roses" each day.
  • Get involved in community and organizations.
  • Work at building good relationships with others.

7. Work

  • Get to know colleagues better.
  • Join a work-related association.
  • Consider a "mentorship program".
  • Make management aware of your strengths.
  • Show initiative.

© The Psychology Foundation of Canada (PFC) – This information is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced or used without permission from PFC.

Download full fact sheet (PDF)

Relationships Quiz

Note: These questions are not about a love relationship you may be in.
They are about the other people you connect with in your life.

1If you have other family members in your life, do you feel you are spending enough quality time with them?

2If you have other family members in your life, do you generally feel accepted by them and good about yourself when you are around them?

3Outside of any family members you may have in your life, do you feel you have a close friend or friends you can trust and confide in when you need to?

4Do you feel there is a good balance in your life between spending quality time with family and friends and meeting your other responsibilities (e.g., work, caregiving, chores, school, etc.)?

5Do you feel connected to other people in your community, beyond immediate family and close friends?

Do You
Need More
Information?

Feel free to contact your
local CMHA branch

Branch locator tool
Contact CMHA National
Access our media kit
In partnership with Bell The psychology foundation of Canada See All
CMHA thanks Bell as our lead sponsor for Mental Health Week 2012 and for developing this website.
Copyright © 2012 Canadian Mental Health Association — Copyright and Privacy Policy