CALGARY, Alberta, May 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has been a champion for mental health since 1918 and has played an important role in improving people's understanding of mental health and mental illness. CMHA introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 to raise awareness of mental illness in Canada. MHW today offers people practical ways to maintain and improve their mental health and support their recovery from mental illness.
"We all have mental health. Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It's a state of overall mental and physical health and well-being. But maintaining good mental health in today's hectic and stress-filled society is a challenge," says Peter Coleridge, National CEO, CMHA.
"CMHA actively supports and encourages mental health for all Canadians, in all aspects of their daily lives, not only during its Mental Health Week but also through the programs and tools provided by hundreds of CMHA locations across the country throughout the year," adds Coleridge.
It is estimated that at least 1 in 3 Canadians experience mental health problems each year. Mental health issues indirectly affect us all at some time through a family member, friend or colleague. The fact is, we are all touched in some way by mental health issues.
"Mental health really does affect each and every one of us. CMHA – Calgary is here for thousands of Calgarians who receive our direct service, and thousands more who come to our website or our locations in Calgary for information about mental health," says Ruby Lecot, Director of Client Services, CMHA – Calgary.
"We are ultimately trying to change attitudes towards mental health and reduce stigma around mental illness so all Calgarians can feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need to."
This year, CMHA is focusing on increasing awareness of youth mental health and mental illness by providing information, resources and the practical strategies and advice required by young people and their parents, caregivers and teachers to address youth mental health issues. Youth are a highly vulnerable group. Up to 70 per cent of young adults living with mental health problems report that their symptoms started in childhood.
A list of CMHA's youth mental health programs, services and supports across Canada can be found on CMHA's Mental Health Week website at www.mentalhealthweek.ca.
Every year, CMHA's community locations host local Mental Health Week events that offer Canadians information, resources and practical ways to stay mentally and physically healthy. CMHA locations across Canada organize seminars, host open houses, set up community information booths, and hold film screenings, art shows, 'lunch and learns', conferences, and walks and runs in support of Mental Health Week.
Community events and activities listings can be found on CMHA's Mental Health Week website at www.mentalhealthweek.ca.
Here is a list of Mental Health Week events and activities in Calgary:
• Mental Health Week Launch on the Street, May 6, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Join CMHA at busy CTrain stations (Centre Street, 3rd Street and 6th Street) as we hand out 'feel-good' postcards, goodies and encourage people to pass the card on and to think about their own mental health. Our mascot, Harmony the Bear will be on hand as well!
• #MyMentalHealth Live Twitter Chat Series, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 12-2 p.m., Wednesday 4-6 p.m.: A new topic related to mental health each day and several experts to answer questions from Twitter. See our website for details on topics.
• Dance Walk, May 8, Stephen Ave SW, Noon: Join CMHA and partner agencies to dance walk downtown and also learn more about mental health!
• Happy is the New Black, May 8, National Music Centre, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Come out for a night of laughter, music and cocktails in support of CMHA – Calgary. Tickets are $15, available through Eventbrite.
This year's Mental Health Week is generously supported by Medicine Shoppe Canada and Janssen Inc.
For more information on how to maintain your mental health, to find Mental Health Week events and activities in your community or to donate to CMHA, go to CMHA's Mental Health Week website at www.mentalhealthweek.ca.
About Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary
CMHA – Calgary's mandate is to create awareness, provide promotion and education, and support and advocate for individuals and families living with mental illness and addictions.
The agency offers a variety of programs and services, including: Advocacy, Community Education, Continuing Connections, Family Support, Independent Living Support, Leisure Recreation, Peer Options, Street Outreach and Stabilization, Suicide Bereavement Counselling, Supportive Living, and Workplace Mental Health. Through these programs we reach over 23,000 individuals each year.
CMHA – Calgary is a registered charity, and receives funding from Alberta Health Services, United Way of Calgary and Area, City of Calgary Family and Community Support Services, and its own fundraising program which includes generous donations from corporations, groups and individuals. To learn more, visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca
About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one of Canada's oldest not-for-profit organizations. With more than 10,000 staff and volunteers in hundreds of communities across Canada, CMHA provides vital services and support to well over half a million Canadians every year. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness.
Please visit cmha.ca.
