In 2013, I had the honor of speaking at a youth mental health summit for the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Halton-Region Branch. I also facilitated an interactive team building event (drumming) with the staff during Mental Health Week (the first week in May). Through working with this incredible organization, I learned so much about the state of mental health in Canada, the philosophy of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and 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."
The Canadian Mental Health Association began in 1918. It's one the oldest non-profit organizations in Canada. Through the hard work of 10,000 volunteers, the CMHA helps over 100,000 people a year, from over 120 communities. Believing that everyone should have sound mental health, the CMHA supports resiliency and recovery through service, research, education, and advocacy.
The Canadian Mental Health Association has a variety of branches throughout Canada. Each one serves the unique needs of the particular community that it's located in, has it's own Board of Directors, and it's own unique funding sources. Basically, each branch is it's own separate legal entity. Some of the more popular branches are located in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region.
As a neighbor of Canada, I am 100% in support of the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association. I look forward to new developments that the CMHA takes to end stigma and help people with mental illness. I care about my neighbor.
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."
The Canadian Mental Health Association began in 1918. It's one the oldest non-profit organizations in Canada. Through the hard work of 10,000 volunteers, the CMHA helps over 100,000 people a year, from over 120 communities. Believing that everyone should have sound mental health, the CMHA supports resiliency and recovery through service, research, education, and advocacy.
The Canadian Mental Health Association has a variety of branches throughout Canada. Each one serves the unique needs of the particular community that it's located in, has it's own Board of Directors, and it's own unique funding sources. Basically, each branch is it's own separate legal entity. Some of the more popular branches are located in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region.
As a neighbor of Canada, I am 100% in support of the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association. I look forward to new developments that the CMHA takes to end stigma and help people with mental illness. I care about my neighbor.
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Mike Veny is a compelling mental health speaker. Click here to see what others are saying.
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