May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to learn about mental illness and reduce the stigma surrounding it. Mental illnesses are medical conditions that can affect a person's thoughts, emotions, moods, behaviours, self-esteem, ability to connect with others, and coping with stress.
People deal with mental health challenges in different ways, some experiencing bouts of illness in-between times when they’re at best, while for others, their mental health states remain unchanged. Life events can trigger mental illness, or it can occur without cause. People suffering from mental illness may have difficulty focusing, processing information, making choices, and behaving atypically, such as distancing themselves from others.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance for positive dialogue about how mental illnesses can affect people and to lessen anxiety around mental health. Candid conversations will help raise awareness that people with mental illnesses can live full lives and get the support they need and be fully involved in work, family life, and their communities.
Pivot Design has been working to create digital mental health products and services that can support populations across Canada—applying human and humanity-centred design methodologies; we’re helping to boost access to mental health resources and promote better mental health and equity outcomes for all.
As we continue to increase our understanding of mental health, let's not forget the importance of empathy, appreciation and support. And continue to have productive conversations about mental health and work together to build a more inclusive society where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Here are some of the mental health-related platforms we've worked on...