Make mentally healthy workplaces a priority Responsible employers provide physically safe environments for their workers, but do they also consider their employees’ psychological safety? The Canadian economy loses $50 billion a year to mental illness, affecting about 7.5 million working Canadians. (Canadian Mental Health Association, n.d.) Research consistently demonstrates that mentally healthy workplaces can improve […]Continue readingPrioritizing Workplace Mental Health
The pandemic has introduced us to new challenges and amplified our everyday and mental health struggles. Many Albertans have lost motivation to continue with hobbies, clean, study and exercise– and that’s okay. During particularly difficult and stressful times, we may lose a grasp on what brings us joy, solace and comfort. Let’s remember to embrace […]Continue readingSupporting your Mental Health Right Now
As we embrace the holiday season, the realities of a global pandemic have put winter traditions on hold. A busy month, typically filled with quality time with friends and family, religious holidays and new years’ celebrations, will now be spent physically distanced. Many of us will spend the holidays away from the family, friends and […]Continue readingYour Mental Health & COVID-19 During the Holidays
When we exhibit physical symptoms of illness like pain or nausea, we know our family doctor will work quickly to resolve our issue. They will often thoroughly assess us and may link us with specialists for further tests, diagnosis and treatment. In many of these situations, we are not compelled to believe our physical pain […]Continue readingFilling the gaps of mental health care with lived experience
Experiencing mental health challenges does not indicate weakness. The Mental Health Commission of Canada acknowledges the prevalence of mental illness is comparable between men and women. However, societal norms and expectations influence the lack of acceptance afforded men when they talk about personal struggles – particularly when the struggles concern mental health. “From an early […]Continue readingMen & Mental Health: How to start the conversation about your mental health
Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses. Mental health research gathered by the Government of Canada finds Canadians are at-risk for major depressive disorder following traumatic or difficult events and from factors including income, discrimination and workplace stress. In 2012, 5.4 per cent of Canadians 15 years and over reported mood disorder […]Continue readingLearning from those with depression
Back-to-school nerves at the end of summer are expected every year. However, parents and children alike are experiencing a unique set of anxieties about the transition in 2020. “With contentious and sometimes shifting information about the process, these feelings of uncertainty may increase.” (Cooke & Racine & Madigan, 2020) Parents want to be a steady […]Continue readingA Parent’s Guide to Back to School During COVID-19
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division works in partnership with OSI-CAN, an organization facilitating peer support and relationship building for first responders, military and public safety personnel dealing with operational stress injuries (OSI) and post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Michael Skinner, a firefighter and advanced care paramedic, has been a frontline emergency worker for […]Continue readingA paramedic’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Wildfires are not uncommon in our country. But this one is. As you know, the scale of the disaster in Fort McMurray is unprecedented. CMHA has created the CMHA Fort McMurray Mental Health Fund (www.cmha.ca/fortmcmurrayfund), in response to the fires that have devastated that community. Canadians have already generously supported disaster relief for the people […]Continue readingUrgent appeal to Canadians: A CMHA Mental Health Fund for Fort McMurray
Get Loud for CMHA’s 65th Annual Mental Health Week CMHA’s 65th Annual Mental Health Week is fast approaching (May 2-8). And again this year, CMHA is asking Canadians to GET LOUD for mental health! Getting loud means speaking up to stop the discrimination and the stigma that usually go hand in hand with mental illness. […]Continue readingMental Health Week 2016