#GETLOUD for Mental Health Week 2017

One in five Canadians will experience mental health problems or mental illness in any given year.

This Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association is calling on Canadians to #GETLOUD and raise awareness about the importance of addressing our mental health.

To #GETLOUD means speaking out against the discrimination and stigma directed at people with mental illnesses. It means taking action and using your voice to raise awareness and build support for those around you and for yourself.

Every year, CMHA selects a specific mental health-related issue to focus on during CMHA Mental Health Week. This year, as part of our Sick of Waiting: Get Loud for Mental Health campaign, we are paying special attention to long waits – the long wait to see a mental health professional, and the long wait for improvements to the mental health system of Canada.

During CMHA Mental Health Week, we also encourage all Canadians to reflect on their own attitudes towards mental health. Reducing discrimination and stigma is paramount, so that people no longer feel shame due to a mental illness and will no longer wait to seek the support and help they need.

At CMHA, we’re proud to be the organization that started this tradition, and we’re proud that Canadians have embraced it.

Five ways to #GETLOUD:

1. Speak up with loved ones.

Talk openly to someone you feel safe with: a loved one or a friend. If they’re informed and supportive, they won’t judge or shame you about your mental health concerns. They may even have their own concerns, and you’d be opening a dialogue. Offer to listen without judgment, and to do what you can to help.

2. If you need help, ask for it.

Contact your family doctor for support. Or Contact CMHA Peel Dufferin at 905-451-2123 for our programs and services.

If you’re in crisis, don’t wait. Contact 24/7 Crisis Support Peel at 905-278-9036 (Brampton/Mississauga) 1-888-811-2222 (Caledon) or Here 24/7 at 1 844 437 3247 (Dufferin),  go to your hospital emergency department or call 911.

3. Speak out for mental health supports and services.

#GETLOUD with your elected representatives. Tell them we need increased mental health funding for more – and better – mental health programs and services. Governments at every level need to hear that mental health is a top health priority for all Canadians.

4. Build a healthier workplace.

You can promote mental health where you work. One place to start is to book a CMHA workshop that provides education and addresses mental health in the workplace. Contact CMHA’s Workforce Mental Health Collaborative for more information on workforce psychological health and safety training, resources or support. Check out our Wellness Works Workshops designed for workplaces to support and educate staff on mental health, click here for more information.

5. Get involved.

Organize and host an event to raise awareness and funds to support CMHA’s mission. Submit your event at mentalhealthweek.ca. Use social media to promote CMHA Mental Health Week. Or, make a donation of any size to CMHA. We will use these funds to #GETLOUD on your behalf, for better mental health for all Canadians.

You can also volunteer with CMHA Peel Dufferin, click here for more information.

Or join in on our upcoming annual Ride Don’t Hide Event (June 25th) to raise awareness, reduce stigma and raise funds to support youth mental health. Click here for information and registration!