Within our stories is the mental health care we all need. Each May, people across Canada rally around CMHA’s Mental Health Week. Inaugurated by CMHA in 1951, May 1-7, 2023 marks the 72nd annual Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s Mental Health Week will amplify some of the voices and spaces within which mental health exists […]Continue readingMental Health Week 2023
CMHA reaction to announcement emerging from February 7, 2023, First Ministers Health Summit The Canadian Mental Health Association welcomes the Government of Canada’s commitment to improve access to quality, timely, and equitable mental health and substance use health services, though is concerned about the extent to which these investments will lead to deep and lasting […]Continue readingInvestments lacking. More needs to be done for Canadians’ mental health.
We all have the right to mental health care that is publicly funded and free. Yet millions of Canadians are struggling and only some will get the care they need. The Act for Mental Health campaign is supported by a network of Canadian organizations pressing our leaders for Universal Mental Health Care. It’s not just […]Continue readingACT for Mental Health
November is Men’s Health Awareness Month and CMHA, Alberta Division was lucky to sit down with Next Gen Men’s Youth Program Manager, Jonathon Reed. We discussed Next Gen Men’s work, his personal philosophies and what a brighter future may look like for a cornerstone of men’s mental health: youth support. Troubling Trends In recent years, […]Continue readingTo Be a Man
This two-part series details the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division’s three-year research project on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); the impact MDD has on the lives of Canadians, how they cope with MDD, and what a brighter future looks like for Canadians with MDD – all through the lens of lived experience. In part […]Continue readingMajor Depressive Disorder, Part Two | Treatment and progress
This two-part series details the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division’s three-year research project on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); the impact MDD has on the lives of Canadians, how they cope with MDD, and what a brighter future looks like for Canadians with MDD – all through the lens of lived experience. In part […]Continue readingMajor Depressive Disorder, Part One | Defining MDD and its impacts
Since 2019, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division has been working on the Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Project – a three-tiered initiative to research the lived experience of people with MDD, develop and amplify educational messaging, combat stigma, raise awareness and understanding of MDD, and to advocate for ways to improve support, resources […]Continue readingThrough a Different Lens: A Conversation with Julien Quickstad
Recognizing Recovery in Alberta September is Recovery Month, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Alberta recognizes the importance of coming together with organizations across the world in acknowledging what recovery truly means. Whether it’s recovery from substance addiction or overcoming mental health challenges, CMHA in Alberta is committed to raising awareness, advocating for […]Continue readingThe Importance of Recovery
Mental Illness Awareness Week is approaching on October 2nd though 8th. A pharmaceutical partner is planning a campaign to raise awareness on bipolar disorder. As such, they are seeking spokespeople with lived experience. As a campaign spokesperson, you will be invited to share your personal stories with bipolar with local journalists/reporters for different media opportunities, such […]Continue readingAre you living with Bipolar I Disorder? You are invited to share you story.
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada – a day which presents the opportunity to celebrate the heritage, culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. It is important to remember the past, highlight Indigenous achievements today, and actively seek to create a brighter tomorrow as we share a vision of […]Continue readingA Conversation with Chris Yellowbird
June is Pride Month and a time to recognize the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ2S+ community. It is also an opportunity to advocate for better mental health access, resources, safe spaces and elimination of discrimination in our schools and workplaces. Canada is home to approximately one million people who are LGBTQ2+, accounting for 4% […]Continue readingThe Importance of Mental Health Resources and Support for the LGBTQ2S+ Community
Celebrating International Nurses Week From May 5th-15th, the world celebrates International Nurses Week. Now more than ever, mental health is becoming a topic of discussion in the workplace. In industries like healthcare, occupational trauma is a common occurrence that comes with the territory. According to OSI-CAN, an occupational stress injury (OSI) leading to trauma can […]Continue readingHolding the Line: Nurses, mental health and the COVID pandemic
Just as Albertans are experiencing pandemic fatigue after two long years, research suggests that Albertans may also be experiencing “empathy fatigue.” CMHA and UBC release new data on empathy and challenged relationships. The latest survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and UBC researchers, Assessing the Impacts of COVID-19 on Mental Health, shows that feelings of empathy […]Continue readingOnly 14 per cent of Albertans are feeling empathetic
The Western Hockey League announced today that, by teaming with RE/MAX and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) branches, over $19,000 has been raised through RE/MAX Presents: WHL Talk Today Game Nights during February and March in Western Canada. The 2021-22 season marked the first annual game night effort between the WHL, RE/MAX and local CMHA […]Continue readingWHL Talk Today Game Nights Campaign Raises Nearly $20,000 for CMHA Branches in Western Canada
Before you weigh in, tune in. When someone is struggling, you don’t have to fix their pain. Tune in and see through their eyes. For Mental Health Week this year – May 2-8, 2022 – #GetReal with each other. We may be different, but that doesn’t make us rivals. Let’s stop polarizing and start empathizing. Be there for each […]Continue readingSave the Date for Mental Health Week
March 30th, World Bipolar Day “One percent (1%) of Canadians aged 15 years and over reported symptoms that met the criteria for a bipolar disorder in the previous 12 months” (Government of Canada, 2009). Everyone experiences changes in mood. What makes bipolar disorder different? Bipolar disorder is a mental health diagnosis that sees individuals cycle […]Continue readingLiving with Bipolar Disorder
For two years, COVID-19 has plagued us. And for two years, CMHA and UBC have been asking Albertans how they’re doing. Now, in the latest round of research, Albertans are saying they are stressed about what’s coming next. They’re concerned COVID-19 is here to stay. According to the research, 65% of people in Alberta are […]Continue readingFeel like you’re running on empty these days? You’re not alone.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division joins health professionals across the country to celebrate February as Psychology Month. Led by the Canadian Psychological Association, Psychology Month is an annual national campaign to raise awareness about psychology’s role in helping individuals and communities prosper. CMHA, Alberta Division spoke with three members of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta to […]Continue readingLived Experience of Psychologists
“I can relate.” It’s a familiar expression and one you’ve likely used countless times throughout the pandemic. When someone has been sick or stressed, felt lonely or lost their job. You say it without having to think: “I get it. I’ve been there. I can relate.” But did you know that, hiding in these very simple sentences, is a sophisticated skill you may not even realize you […]Continue readingThis Mental Health Week is all about empathy
Research is showing that eating disorders are on the rise in young people since the onset of COVID-19. February 1-7, 2022 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The National Eating Disorders Information Centre (NEDIC) provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders. These events may be of interest to individuals who have a personal […]Continue readingEating Disorder Awareness Week
Bell Let’s Talk Day is Wednesday, January 26 and we’re joining in to help drive meaningful progress in mental health. Since 2010, Canadians and people around the globe have joined in the world’s largest conversation around mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day. Together we have taken big steps to reduce the stigma around mental […]Continue readingBell Let’s Talk Day is Wednesday, January 26
This article is brought to you by the Canadian Mental Health Association and ParticipACTION to raise awareness of the mental health benefits of physical activity and provide actionable solutions to Move for your Mood! Move for your Mood As the winter days get shorter, darker and colder, many of us have less energy and a […]Continue readingMove for your Mood
Self-care is the act of taking care of yourself to preserve or improve one’s own health. It can help reduce or eliminate stress, anxiety and depression, improve productivity, and increase happiness. As the new year begins, focusing on your self-care is an excellent resolution to consider taking on. There are many misconceptions about self-care. One […]Continue readingNew Year Self-Care
Make the most of your workout and support the mental health of first responders in your community The First Responders Half Marathon is a highly regarded event that takes place annually in Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon each year. The event expands awareness of all first responders and the challenges they face in our Albertan communities. […]Continue readingFirst Responders Half Marathon
Mental health has never been more top-of-mind in Canada. Perhaps because the need has never been so great. “It has been 18 months of isolation, stress and uncertainty,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). “That is why, amid all the turmoil and confusion, we have pushed hard and strong […]Continue readingEnvisioning a Canada where mental health is a human right
Social media — we love it, we hate it, but can we have too much of it? Many of us likely saw our screen time increase throughout the pandemic, particularly when social media seemed to be the only way to maintain connection with others. Schools and restaurants have been closed, and we have had to […]Continue readingMental Health & Social Media
Today, on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we take time to reflect and act upon our responsibilities to dismantle the systemic racism and colonialism that continues to impact Indigenous peoples in Canada. We recognize that systemic racism and colonialism continue to permeate our system of mental health care in this country. We […]Continue readingCMHA recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This summer feels different as we shift back to ‘normal.’ Whatever your ‘normal’ was before the pandemic, many young people are experiencing discomfort about transitions back to work or school. Maybe your summer job is exhausting, socializing is too much right now, and you would like more support as you navigate the uncertain months ahead. […]Continue readingFinding your ‘new normal’: Tips for young workers
In honour of the children who died at residential schools and in recognition of the survivors and their families, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will be changing the colour of its logo to orange until Orange Shirt Day on September 30. Beyond the symbolic, the orange logo also signifies our commitment to reconciliation with […]Continue readingA logo for reconciliation: CMHA shows solidarity with Indigenous peoples in Canada
A world-renowned mental health platform with over 250 organizations partnered is now making waves in Albertan communities. Togetherall is a peer-to-peer online community that allows Alberta residents to connect with others in an environment that is monitored 24/7 by mental health practitioners. The platform also offers free monitored courses and other mental health resources, which […]Continue readingTogetherall Brings Virtual Mental Health Supports to Albertans
As Alberta implements its COVID-19 recovery strategy, CMHA, Alberta Division continues to advocate for mental health resources and service accessibility for every Albertan. CMHA, Alberta Division is proud to support communities with the facilitation of essential virtual and in-person mental health programming throughout the province. CMHA, Alberta Division membership is the opportunity for you to be directly involved in CMHA’s work. Join a Community That Cares When […]Continue readingBecome A Member
Buddy Up for Men’s Suicide Prevention Middle-aged men die by suicide more than anyone else in Canada, including young people and women (Statistics Canada, 2019). Although this statistic is shocking, men often feel pressured to disregard their emotions and deal with emotional pain through harmful behaviours. In 2020, The Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP) launched […]Continue readingMen and Mental Health
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is deeply troubled by the findings of the remains of hundreds of children in unmarked and undocumented graves at residential schools across Canada. We extend our deepest condolences to those who are grieving and for whom this news reawakens or compounds pain and trauma. We acknowledge that as the […]Continue readingCanadian Mental Health Association on Reconciliation and Mental Health
The LGBTQ2S+ community and mental health June is known and celebrated across Canada as pride month. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division, believes the celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community makes Alberta a safer, healthier place to live. Through programs and initiatives such as Youth Hubs, Healthy Campus Alberta, Recovery Colleges and others, CMHA […]Continue readingPride in Alberta
The Western Hockey League announced today that $19,455 has been raised by Goals For Mental Health presented by RE/MAX – benefitting the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Western Canada. Throughout the 2020-21 WHL season, RE/MAX donated $15 for every goal scored by WHL Clubs in 17 Western Canadian markets. From the start of the Central Division on […]Continue readingGoals For Mental Health Raises $19,455 as WHL Players Score in Support of CMHA
Those of us with weak social connections are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Even before Canadians began dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social isolation, loneliness had been labelled a public health concern. Loneliness and social isolation can cause all sorts of health issues, but connection with others not only helps us […]Continue readingShared Experience Through Difficult Times
How are we feeling? Canadians are worried, bored, stressed, lonely and sad CMHA and UBC release data on emotional impact of the pandemic for Mental Health Week Toronto, ON and Vancouver, BC (May 3, 2021) – The pandemic is taking an emotional toll on people in Canada, as 77% of adults report feeling so-called negative […]Continue readingMental Health Impacts of COVID-19 Round 3
Get Ready to #GetReal about how you feel This CMHA Mental Health Week, we’re diving into how we feel. It’s hard to deal with our emotions when we don’t know what we’re feeling. You may have been taught to push your bad feelings away, but research shows that understanding and naming our feelings can make […]Continue readingIt’s Mental Health Week
There is No Health Without Mental Health The focus on mental health is unlike anything our province has experienced before. The impacts of COVID-19 will last long after vaccination. In planning for recovery, mental health is just as important as physical health. CMHA believes mental healthcare should be publicly funded and accessible to every Albertan, […]Continue readingMental Health Must Be Part of the Equation
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on Albertans’ mental health. Whether you are an essential worker, health care professional, parent, employer or caregiver, we have all experienced increased strain on our wellbeing. From April to May 2020, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division, conducted a survey to understand the impact the […]Continue readingThe Impact of COVID-19 on Albertans’ Mental Health
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
New nationwide survey finds Albertans’ mental health eroding [Edmonton, Alberta] (December 3, 2020) – The second wave of the pandemic has intensified feelings of stress and anxiety, causing alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in the Albertan population. This, according to the newest wave of data collected through a nationwide monitoring survey on […]Continue readingDespair and suicidal feelings deepen as pandemic wears on
Today, December 10th, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division celebrates Human Rights Day. CMHA, Alberta Division believes every Albertan should have the right to mental health care services that are “universal, comprehensive, accessible, portable and publicly administered. Achieving equity between mental health and general health services is critical to improving health outcomes.” (CMHA, […]Continue readingComprehensive mental health as a human right
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has now expanded its BounceBack® program across Canada, thanks to a donation from Bell Let’s Talk. BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program that helps adults and youth 15+ learn to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Through telephone coaching and skill-building workbooks, participants […]Continue readingYou can learn to think and feel better!
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
How often do you say or think to yourself, “I should really focus on getting healthier.” The last time this ran through your mind, were you thinking about physical health – like exercise and eating habits – or other health factors, like your mood or mindset? Most Albertans have been taught the importance of physical […]Continue readingNo health without mental health
September 29, 2020 (ALBERTA) – The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) has partnered with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and regions of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Alberta, to bring CMHA’s Talk Today program to AJHL teams. This partnership is presented by Inter Pipeline. The introduction of Talk Today, one of the […]Continue readingAlberta Junior Hockey League Partners with Canadian Mental Health Association in Alberta on Talk Today Program
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division is excited to announce the new Chair of the Board of Directors, Brent Korte. Brent lives in Spruce Grove, Alberta and has been involved in the local community for over 25 years. He owns his own consulting company that focuses on health policy and pharmaceutical market access. Through […]Continue readingAnnouncement: CMHA, Alberta Division Board Chair
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) supports access to a universal basic income that aligns with four core principles: human rights, equitable access, poverty reduction and adequacy. Income security is one of the important social determinants of health. With respect to the factors that promote positive mental health, the three most significant determinants of mental health […]Continue readingNow is the time for universal basic income
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
A new toolkit is now available to support employers and employees in navigating the mental health implications of returning to physical workplaces. Developed by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division, in partnership with Mental Health Works and BounceBack Ontario, Return to the workplace: A psychological toolkit for heading back to work aims to serve employees and employers […]Continue readingNew CMHA toolkit supports employees, employers with planning psychologically-safe return to the workplace
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
Under ‘normal’ circumstances, employees may not be surprised when asked to adapt to changes in their company’s protocols, policies and procedures. However, COVID-19 resulted in employees and employers adapting to work scenarios far outside those normal scenarios. “According to Statistics Canada, 40 per cent of Canada’s workers found themselves working from home as pandemic lockdowns […]Continue readingFive tips for your mental health during your return to onsite work
During trying times, we may lose motivation to continue with our hobbies, cleaning, studying, exercise regime – and this is okay. As The Guardian notes, “In a world of increasing demands on our time and attention, our comfort zones act as predictable spaces of mastery where we can seek refuge when the stress becomes too […]Continue readingFinding Comfort During Trying Times
If you are an essential service worker who interacts daily with the public, there is a good chance you have become an ear for your customers, listening to concerns and worries associated with this pandemic. Being immersed in other’s trauma, potentially multiple times a day, can be exhausting. And of course, you are facing your […]Continue readingManaging Your Mental Health in a Customer-Facing Job
While it may seem like a lifetime ago, March 11, 2020 is the date the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic (CBC News, April 11,2020). Since then, Albertans lives have changed dramatically and we have all been in a constant state of adaptation-to new rules, new circumstances and a new normal. Children and […]Continue readingTalking to your kids about COVID-19
We’ve all seen and heard about communities and businesses stepping up to show their appreciation for nurses during COVID-19. Free coffee, discounted meals and the banging of pots and pans in the street. It’s Nurse Appreciation week (May 11-17th) and people are encouraged to recognize the work nurses do on the front lines. Can outsiders […]Continue readingNurses’ Appreciation Week: Supporting your family and friends on the front lines
For Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association promotes social connection to protect mental health in these difficult times TORONTO (ONTARIO) May 4, 2020 – Most Canadians rely on shortcuts to describe their emotional state—even during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to new data released today by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in partnership […]Continue readingCanadians are anxious and crave real connection, but say they’re doing “fine”
Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week –May 4-10 – rallies communities, schools, workplaces and legislatures in a common push for mental health. Because we all have mental health, and we all need to protect it. This year, Mental Health Week is all about social connection. While loneliness and social isolation cause all sorts of […]Continue readingIt’s Mental Health Week – May 4 to 11
For more than 60 years in Alberta, Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division (CMHA AB) has focused on community-based recovery and support for Albertans impacted by mental illness. We stand with people living in their community as they achieve their wellness goals. As Albertans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, CMHA AB would like to better understand […]Continue readingShare Your Feedback – Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health Of Albertans
April is typically a busy month. Between springtime fun and religious holidays, we’re usually gathering for dinners with family, shopping for seedlings and joining together in our faith communities. Unfortunately, the new realities of a global pandemic have put these traditions on hold and instead we are practicing social distancing. Many of us are away […]Continue readingSpringtime Mental Health during COVID-19
In the matter of a few short days thousands of Albertans moved from getting up and going to work to working from home in response to the intensified precautions related to COVID 19, a global pandemic sweeping across Canada. This transition has been a topic of conversation on virtual meetings that have taken the place […]Continue readingAlbertans Describe Working from Home and Maintaining their Mental Health
With coronavirus (COVID-19) now officially being called a pandemic by the World Health Organization, public fear and anxiety are on the rise. It is important to not only protect our physical health during this time, but also our mental health. Here are some resources on maintaining your mental health: COVID-19 TEXT4HOPE-Alberta Health Services It Is […]Continue readingCOVID-19 Outbreak – Protecting Your Mental Health
Welcome to the Making Mental Health Matter in Alberta tool kit presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division. The tool kit has been designed to provide you with materials to support your efforts in advocating for better mental health outcomes in Alberta. In any given year, one in five people will experience […]Continue readingMaking Mental Health Matter in Alberta – A Tool Kit
The opioid overdose crisis in Canada is real and growing. It claimed 4,460 lives in 2018 alone. And youth are at high risk. This toolkit is for you, whether you are an administrator, a student or a member of the faculty or staff. It is designed to help campus communities create a blueprint (or “protocol”) to […]Continue readingCMHA launches Carry It Campus Toolkit to prevent and respond to overdoses
Canada is a country of small businesses. In December 2017, there were 1.2 million employer businesses across Canada, where almost 12 million people work. Of these, 7.9% were small businesses, while just 1.9% were medium-sized. Across Canada, efforts to support entrepreneurs abound, including special financing products, entrepreneurship hubs, post-secondary programs and a growing number of government investments to encourage the […]Continue readingGoing it Alone: The mental health and wellbeing of Canada’s entrepreneurs
The considerable and growing annual cost of treating mental health problems and mental illness in Canada – $42 billion nationwide and $6.3 billion in workplaces – has brought increased attention to the early and continuous development of positive mental health. Through interventions in communities, workplaces and schools, mental health promotion cultivates positive mental health for […]Continue reading#GetLoud: Advancing Mental Health Promotion in Canada
Welcome to the Canadian Mental Health Association Election 2019 Tool Kit. The Tool Kit has been designed to provide you with materials to support your efforts in advocating for better mental health outcomes in Alberta. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division is happy to be a voice advocating for the mental health of all Albertans during the provincial […]Continue readingMaking Mental Health Matter in Alberta – 2019 Election Toolkit
Depressive Disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed mental illness. An estimated 1 in every 4 Canadians has a degree of depression severe enough to need treatment at some time in his or her life. Depression may affect someone once or many times in their life, or it may be chronic. There are three major […]Continue reading“Do I want to live like this?”
Mental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada October 17, 2018 As of today, the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Canada joins Uruguay, the first country to have legalized cannabis, and several U.S. states in taking a public health approach to managing cannabis production and use. In legalizing cannabis, the Government of […]Continue readingMental Health and Legal Cannabis in Canada
Canadian Mental Health Association calls for new legislation to bring mental health into balance with physical health. EDMONTON (ALBERTA) September 17, 2018 – Over half of Canadians (53%) consider anxiety and depression to be ‘epidemic’ in Canada, with that perception spiking amongst younger people, according to a new survey commissioned by the Canadian Mental Health […]Continue readingOver half of Canadians consider anxiety and depression ‘epidemic’
By the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Centre for Suicide Prevention Today is September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. This is the one day a year focused solely on awareness around the issue of suicide and its prevention. This year, we’re spreading the message that suicide can affect anyone, and anyone can prevent suicide; this year’s […]Continue readingYou can help someone who is thinking about suicide
The tragedy of overdose is preventable The Canadian Mental Health Association joins people and organizations around the world to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event held each year on August 31st. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges […]Continue readingAugust 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day
Have your voice heard! As a member of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division, or simply as a mental health advocate, we invite you to attend our 2018 Annual General Meeting. We are celebrating 100 years as Canada’s leading mental health charity, and we want to share our successes with the community. Learn about […]Continue readingOur Annual General Meeting is open to the public!
By the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Centre for Suicide Prevention In our culture, we are mostly silent about suicide. But when celebrities die by suicide – as Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain did last week, the issue becomes front-page news. Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide can attest to its utter devastation. […]Continue readingCelebrity suicide deaths – preventing “contagion”
CMHA Alberta Division wishes you a season filled with warmth, comfort and great mental health! Read our 2017 newsletter by clicking on it below.Continue readingHoliday Greetings!
Healthy Campus Alberta has a NEW WEBSITE! Legalization of Marijuana: Here are several documents to help inform your campus conversations around the legalization of Marijuana. These documents were passed along by individuals and campuses within HCA. Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines Cannabis Talk Kit Advanced Education Grant Proposals: If you are in the process of completing your Advanced […]Continue readingHealthy Campus Alberta Update
With the passing of Bill C-14, the Canadian Mental Health Association raises concern regarding the criteria eligibility of mental illnesses for medical assistance in dying (MAiD).Continue readingCMHA Position on Bill C-14 on medical assistance in dying (MAiD)
Healthy Campus Alberta joins with The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division “For too many post-secondary students mental illness continues to be a challenge…our government wants to make sure reliable supports are available to students right across our province.” – Brandy Payne Post-secondary student mental well being is linked to academic achievement, learning, retention and […]Continue readingHealthy Campus Alberta joins with The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division
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
This week (May 2-8) is Mental Health Week. There’s no missing it this year, because Canadians are GETTING LOUD for Mental Health. We are raising our voices to build awareness and support – for someone at work; for someone at home; for ourselves. And we are going to be heard from coast to coast to […]Continue readingCelebrate Mental Health Week with us!
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
Help CMHA support Bell Let’s Talk Day! Canadians from coast to coast will join the conversation again this year to help break down the stigma associated with mental illness. Bell’s annual Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign encourages people to start the conversation about mental health with friends, family and co-workers, recognizing that simply talking […]Continue readingHelp CMHA Alberta support Bell Let’s Talk Day!
This week Albertans learned about the devastating rise in suicide deaths in our province. It is staggering. Alberta has a high rate to start with (higher than Ontario, for example). More Albertans die by suicide each year than in fatal car collisions. And that was before this year’s increase. This new trajectory is beyond alarming. […]Continue readingSuicide Prevention: It is Everyone’s Responsibility
In this issue: A letter from David Grauwiler, Executive Director of CMHA, Alberta Division 8 tips for mental wellness during the holidays 4 ways to support mental health this holiday seasonContinue readingMy Mental Health Newsletter
October issue of My Mental Health In this issue: Meet Jillian, who has served Albertans by being there to pick up the phone Oilers Goaltender, Ben Scrivens receives President’s Award Continue readingMy Mental Health Newsletter
Learn how the Canadian Mental Health Association has impacted the lives of Albertans experiencing mental health concerns. Continue readingCMHA Alberta Annual Report 2014-2015
The Centre for Suicide Prevention in Calgary focuses on prevention, because prevention is the only solution to suicide. I recently spent a morning with Mara G. the Executive Director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP), a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association here in Alberta. Our conversation focused on the need for a greater […]Continue readingWhat Albertan’s really need to know about suicide
Annual Report 2014 (PDF)Continue reading2014 Annual Report
The Government of Alberta has a range of supports available for Albertans who need help during the Christmas season. The Government of Alberta has a range of supports available for Albertans who need help during the Christmas season. Families experience more stress during the holiday season for a variety of reasons – financial strain, time spent […]Continue readingKnow the Numbers that will help Albertans
A tour of CMHA Central Region It was my pleasure to visit Trish M. the Executive Director of CMHA Central Region (Red Deer) last week. CMHA Central Region provides a variety of excellent programs in support of individuals and families impacted by mental health and addictions issues. A highlight for me was the opportunity to visit the […]Continue readingA Visit to the Buffalo
The affection of man’s best friend helped me to survive and face a better day… By Dennis Anderson Many people have made their life’s work, or at least have committed part of their lives to becoming mental health professionals, and volunteers. For those of us striving for mental health, along with our friends and family, […]Continue readingThe “Different” Mental Health Worker
Being diagnosed with a mental illness doesn’t mean your life is over… By Austin Mardon Expectations – we all have them. We have expectations about how our lives will be; about how our children’s lives will be. As children we dream about being astronauts or firemen; I know I did. I came from a family of academics. […]Continue readingNot meeting family and society’s expectations doesn’t equal an unfulfilled life…
Let’s consider both sides of a preventable tragedy…. by Austin Mardon, C.M. Another day, and another story on the news about someone who has committed a horrific act. The stabbings at the Loblaw facility scare us, the randomness of it. People, who should be safe at work, never made it home. Our hearts go out to the wounded, […]Continue readingThe Other Family…
I often get asked how I have done so well in life, even though I live with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. BY AUSTIN MARDON I often get asked how I have done so well in life, even though I live with the diagnosis of schizophrenia. The answer is simple. I have never gone off my prescribed […]Continue readingLiving a full life, despite a diagnosis with mental illness…
Surviving holidays and special occasions year round… by Nancy Rempel My birthday falls one month prior to Christmas, and I always feel like it marks the beginning of “the crazy season.” For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with feeling peaceful at this time of year. I am the “baby” in my family, […]Continue readingHow to make special occasions sane….