Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Out of the Woods

Mental health and addiction crises need more than good intentions

Imagine you’re walking a trail in the woods with a friend.

You both trip on the same low branch. You catch yourself and keep going.

Your friend doesn’t. They fall hard, off the path, and can’t get back up.

You turn back.

“Come on,” you say. “It wasn’t that bad.”

They shake their head. “I think something’s wrong.”

You look around. Other people are walking past without a problem.

You hesitate. You’re not trained for this. You don’t know what to do.

So you tell yourself they’ll figure it out, and you keep walking.

But of course, you wouldn’t.

You’d stay. You’d help. You’d call for support.

You wouldn’t leave someone behind because you didn’t have the answers.

So why do we sometimes do exactly that when it comes to mental health and addiction?

Unfortunately, mental health and addiction crises aren’t always that visible, and the signs are rarely as clear as a broken leg.

Two people can face the same pressures—on the job site, at work, or at home—and be affected in very different ways.

That uncertainty can make it harder to know what to do.

Add in long wait times, limited access to care, and the stigma that still surrounds these issues—and it’s not hard to see why people hesitate.

But uncertainty isn’t a reason to walk away.

We hear “I’m fine” every day—at work, at home, on the job site.

But “I’m fine” isn’t always fine.

Behind it can be anxiety. Depression. Burnout. Overwhelm.

And too often, we walk past it.

We’ve made progress. We talk more openly about mental health than ever before.

But talking isn’t the same as action.

Too many Canadians are still struggling without the support they need.

We hesitate. We don’t know what to say. We worry about saying the wrong thing.

So we say nothing at all.

And people stay alone in the woods.

The good news? Real support is simpler than we think.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to connection. But if you’re looking for a place to start, here are a few ways:

Check in.
Ask the question—and listen to the answer.

Speak up.
Be honest about how you’re doing, so others feel they can too.

Show up.
Stay. Sit with someone. Be there, even if you don’t have the right words.

It’s important to note that support doesn’t replace professional care, and sometimes the most important step is helping someone access the help they need.

If you’re the one struggling, connection isn’t a luxury—it’s part of getting through. Try making it a habit, even when your energy levels are low.

Reach out. Talk to someone. Keep the connection going.

The 5-3-1 Rule is one simple option:
• 5 connections each week
• 3 real conversations each month
• 1 hour a day connecting with others

Adapt it to what works for you. What matters is finding ways to stay connected.

No one is meant to navigate this alone. Whether you’re the one struggling or the one trying to help, support exists beyond what any one person can give. Reaching out—to a friend, a coworker, a peer, or a professional—isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s how we find our way forward.

Getting out of the woods isn’t something we do by ourselves. It happens when we move toward each other—and when we’re willing to let others meet us where we are.

In a crisis?

Call or text 988—Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline—for immediate, confidential support when you’re in distress or crisis.

Explore resources for your well-being at clac.ca/wellness.

Out of the Woods

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