CMHA Launches 60th Anniversary of Mental Health Week

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) launches 60th Anniversary of Mental Health Week, May 1 – 7, 2011 with nationwide activities and events.

 It’s an important year for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). We’re celebrating 60 years of improving people’s understanding of mental health through our annual Mental Health Week, May 1 – 7, 2011! Local and national events and activities are planned among many of our 140 plus locations in communities across Canada.

CMHA’s Mental Health Week is an annual national event that takes place during the first week in May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.

“Mental health is an important part of our overall health and well-being,” says Peter Coleridge CEO, CMHA, National. “We’re very conscious of our physical health but few of us take the time to focus on our own mental health yet research has demonstrated that our physical and mental health is interconnected.”

That’s why this year’s Mental Health Week theme is Mental Health For All. Mental Health Week 2011 will focus on key topics that will help the public have a broader understanding of mental health, including: Kids Have Stress Too!; Workplace Mental Health; Resiliency; and Mental Health Is Everyone’s Concern.

“Unfortunately, there is still significant misunderstanding surrounding mental health issues,” says Coleridge. “If I said, for instance, that I was fighting cancer or heart disease, you would be compassionate and supportive. But if I told you that I was depressed, many would view this as a weakness and not know how to help. We need to change society’s
attitudes and behaviours so that people with mental health problems can be supported in managing or recovering from their illness like any other illness.”

“Desjardins Financial Security has been a proud supporter of CMHA Mental Health Week since 2006. We know that people today have stressful lives, with many competing demands from many different directions,” says Richard Fortier, President and Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins Financial Security. “It’s critical that we take time out to take care of ourselves and those around us, both physically and mentally. That’s the message behind Mental Health Week and that’s why we’re proud to be involved.”