In 2013, I had the honor of speaking at a youth mental health summit for the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Halton-Region Branch. I also facilitated an interactive team building event (drumming) with the staff during Mental Health Week (the first week in May). Through working with this incredible organization, I learned so much about the state of mental health in Canada, the philosophy of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the different branches.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, "Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem." In addition, "Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community." 20 percent of Canadians will struggle with a mental illness, 8 percent will be diagnosed with depression and 1 percent will battle bipolar disorder, more popularly known as "manic depression."
Beginning in 1918, the CMHA is one of Canada's oldest volunteer organizations. With a combined total of 10,000 volunteers, the CMHA has a positive impact on the lives of 100,000 people in 120 communities. The CMHA's advocates sound mental health for everyone. They support recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service.
Branches of the CMHA are located throughout the country, in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region. Each branch is its own unique organization, with it's own Board of Directors, and systems for funding. Since every community has unique needs, each branch provides services that are unique to the particular community they serve.
As a neighbor of Canada, I am 100% in support of the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association. I look forward to new developments that the CMHA takes to end stigma and help people with mental illness. I care about my neighbor.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, "Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem." In addition, "Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community." 20 percent of Canadians will struggle with a mental illness, 8 percent will be diagnosed with depression and 1 percent will battle bipolar disorder, more popularly known as "manic depression."
Beginning in 1918, the CMHA is one of Canada's oldest volunteer organizations. With a combined total of 10,000 volunteers, the CMHA has a positive impact on the lives of 100,000 people in 120 communities. The CMHA's advocates sound mental health for everyone. They support recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service.
Branches of the CMHA are located throughout the country, in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region. Each branch is its own unique organization, with it's own Board of Directors, and systems for funding. Since every community has unique needs, each branch provides services that are unique to the particular community they serve.
As a neighbor of Canada, I am 100% in support of the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association. I look forward to new developments that the CMHA takes to end stigma and help people with mental illness. I care about my neighbor.
About the Author:
Mike Veny is a top mental health speaker. For more information, visit TransformingStigma.Com. See what others are saying here... to see what others are saying
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