Mental health: Make it matter

Fear. Sadness. Anger. Anxiety. Depression. Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the mental health of many people in Canada. For more than a year, we’ve been asked to help our communities by staying apart; now it’s time to help each other by reaching out, speaking up and offering support—or seeking it, if needed.

Like our 2020 Recognition Medal for essential workers, the 2022 Mental Health Medal is a unique keepsake you can wear, keep or give to someone. It is a reminder that no one is truly alone, that there is someone who is willing to listen, and that your feelings do matter.

With this special medal, you’re also signalling your support for mental health resources and services in Canada: we’re donating 100% of the net proceeds to Kids Help Phone to help ensure young people in Canada have access to mental health support in any moment of crisis or need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, help IS available. Connect with Kids Help Phone 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll free).

About the 2022 Mental Health Medal & Magnet Design

Proudly created by Royal Canadian Mint employees, the Mental Health Medal features two different designs recognizing the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of Canadians.

On one side of the medal, the design makes use of negative and positive space to present two overlapping silhouettes: the person on the left is opening up about their struggles, while the one on the right is actively listening. The triangles indicate each person’s state of well-being, with unorganized triangles representing fragmentation of thought and/or a state of distress; the organized pattern suggests a healthier state of mind, while missing triangles remind us there is no such thing as “perfect” mental health.

Carefully sculpted facets on both side of the conversation alter the way light is reflected whenever the coin is tilted. The effect beautifully represents the emotional dynamics of a conversation that could have a lasting, positive impact.

The second side of the medal is a stylized maple leaf. Similar to the 2020 Recognition Medal, this symbol of Canada represents our nation’s spirit, and our willingness to help each other through these difficult times. This is reinforced by the positioning of the words “santé mentale mental health” to resemble the veins of the maple leaf—a powerful reminder that mental health is integral to good health.

Specifications:
RCM Number: 203083
Mintage: While supplies last
Composition: Nickel-plated steel
Weight: 6.04 g
Diameter: 22.25 mm
Finish: Circulation
Edge: Plain

Special Features:

IN SUPPORT OF KIDS HELP PHONE. The Royal Canadian Mint is donating all (100%) net proceeds to Kids Help Phone to help ensure young people in Canada have access to mental health support in any moment of crisis or need—24 hours a day, seven days a week.
MENTAL HEALTH: MAKE IT MATTER. Your dual-sided medal comes with a magnet so that either design can be worn to show your support for wellness initiatives and mental health services.
“I’M LISTENING.” Listening is one-half of a successful conversation, and everyone wants to feel heard. When you show this medal, you’re signalling your willingness to have a conversation about mental health with those around you.
“YOU’RE NOT ALONE.” If you’re struggling, this medal is a reminder that there is no such thing as “perfect” mental health. It’s a gentle encouragement to talk to someone and seek help when needed, because mental health matters.
INCLUDES MAGNET ATTACHMENT. The medal is made of nickel-plated steel that makes it magnetic. To wear it, choose the side you wish to display; position the medal on your clothing, then place the magnet on the other side of the fabric to hold it in place.
READY TO GIVE OR KEEP. Your medal and magnet come packaged together in a gift card folder enclosed in a clear plastic pouch.

Packaging:
Clear vinyl pouch enclosed in a gift card folder.

2022 Special Commemorative Royal Canadian Mint

2022 Canada Mental Health Medal and Magnet