2013 was a memorable year for me. One of the highlights of the year was visiting Canada twice to work with the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Halton-Region Branch. Initially, they hired me to speak about being a child with mental illness at a youth event. A few months later, they hired me to facilitate a drum circle for the staff during Mental Health Week (the first week in May). Through working with the CMHA, I was inspired by their philosophy, their commitment to Canadian mental health, and the uniqueness of the different branches.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, "Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem." In addition, "Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community." 20 percent of Canadians will struggle with a mental illness, 8 percent will be diagnosed with depression and 1 percent will battle bipolar disorder, more popularly known as "manic depression."
Known as organization that walks it's talk, the Canadian Mental Health Association supports recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service. The CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest charities in Canada. On average, the CMHA serves 100,000 people in 120 communities throughout Canada with 10,000 dedicated volunteers.
Branches of the CMHA are located throughout the country, in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region. Each branch is its own unique organization, with it's own Board of Directors, and systems for funding. Since every community has unique needs, each branch provides services that are unique to the particular community they serve.
Canada is my neighbor. I care about my neighbor. The CMHA is an incredibly innovative organization. I look forward to seeing the continued strides forward that the CMHA takes in serving it's citizens who struggle with mental health issues and breaking down the stigma associated with it.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, "Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem." In addition, "Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community." 20 percent of Canadians will struggle with a mental illness, 8 percent will be diagnosed with depression and 1 percent will battle bipolar disorder, more popularly known as "manic depression."
Known as organization that walks it's talk, the Canadian Mental Health Association supports recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service. The CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest charities in Canada. On average, the CMHA serves 100,000 people in 120 communities throughout Canada with 10,000 dedicated volunteers.
Branches of the CMHA are located throughout the country, in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region. Each branch is its own unique organization, with it's own Board of Directors, and systems for funding. Since every community has unique needs, each branch provides services that are unique to the particular community they serve.
Canada is my neighbor. I care about my neighbor. The CMHA is an incredibly innovative organization. I look forward to seeing the continued strides forward that the CMHA takes in serving it's citizens who struggle with mental health issues and breaking down the stigma associated with it.
About the Author:
Mike Veny is a compelling mental health speaker. Click here to see what others are saying.