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.
Canada has some disturbing mental health statistics, like most other places in the world. 20% of the people will experience mental illness in their lifetime, 8% percent will experience depression, and 1% of Canadians are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, also known as "manic depression". The most disturbing statistic of all is the suicide rate. According to the CMHA, "Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds." It is also "one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age."
Beginning in 1918, the CMHA is one of Canada's oldest volunteer organizations. With a combined total of 10,000 volunteers, the CMHA has a positive impact on the lives of 100,000 people in 120 communities. The CMHA's advocates sound mental health for everyone. They support recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service.
You can find Canadian Mental Health Association branches in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, York Region, and over 100 locations throughout Canada. Each branch is an independent legal entity, with a Board of Directors, funding sources, and mental health services that cater to the unique needs of the community.
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.
Canada has some disturbing mental health statistics, like most other places in the world. 20% of the people will experience mental illness in their lifetime, 8% percent will experience depression, and 1% of Canadians are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, also known as "manic depression". The most disturbing statistic of all is the suicide rate. According to the CMHA, "Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds." It is also "one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age."
Beginning in 1918, the CMHA is one of Canada's oldest volunteer organizations. With a combined total of 10,000 volunteers, the CMHA has a positive impact on the lives of 100,000 people in 120 communities. The CMHA's advocates sound mental health for everyone. They support recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service.
You can find Canadian Mental Health Association branches in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, York Region, and over 100 locations throughout Canada. Each branch is an independent legal entity, with a Board of Directors, funding sources, and mental health services that cater to the unique needs of the community.
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 top mental health speaker. For more information, visit TransformingStigma.Com. See what others are saying here... to see what others are saying
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