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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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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