May 3 to 9 is CMHA’s Mental Health Week
Since 1951, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has hosted Mental Health Week to recognize the importance of protecting mental health. Now in its 70th year, Mental Health Week has become a Canadian tradition, with communities, schools and workplaces rallying to celebrate, protect and promote mental health.
The primary content on this page has been adapted from information provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association. See below for information and resources.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is understanding our emotions.
Recognizing, labeling and accepting our feelings are all part of protecting and promoting good mental health for everyone. Naming, expressing and dealing with our emotions (even when they’re uncomfortable) can make us feel better.
We are better able to manage our emotions when we can recognize, understand and express how we feel. Naming, talking and writing about our emotions helps to regulate them by decreasing our anger or fear response.
Although negative emotional states like sadness are not usually considered desirable in Western society, these emotions can actually help us adapt.
However, if your emotions are overwhelming, persistent and/or are interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek mental health supports.
We are in a time of unprecedented stress and anxiety. People are experiencing unprecedented stresses and feelings of anxiety related to COVID-19. According to the Canadian Mental Association, 40% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic.
For immediate support
The Calgary Distress Centre – Call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 403.266.HELP (4357) or visit distresscentre.com for more.
Kids Help Phone 24 Hour Support – Call a counseillor at 1-800-668-6868, text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868, or live chat online at kidshelpphone.ca.
Text4Hope – Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 to subscribe to daily messages of advice and encouragement that support healthy personal coping skills and resiliency.
Local counselling services
carya counselling and mental health supports – If you are struggling to figure out how to access the resources you need, or you just need someone to talk to, please contact carya at 403.269.9888 or info@caryacalgary.ca. Older adults can call 403-SENIORS.
YWCA Counselling for the whole family | Due to COVID-19, all counselling services will be online or by phone. Call 403-536-2844 or email counselling@ywcalgary.ca to book an appointment.
More about Mental Health Week
Mental health is something we can promote and protect, not just something we can lose.
Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for info and tools about CMHA Mental Health Week.
Connect on social media using the hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealthWeek.
Useful Resources
Contact your local Canadian Mental Health Association– The CMHA has locations across Canada to serve you. Find the one closest to you.
Info & Articles from CMHA – Articles with practical advice and information to help you #GetReal about how you really feel.
Wellness Together Canada – Wellness Together Canada is here to provide mental health and substance use support. Get started by finding resources, or create an account to track your progress.
CMHA’s BounceBack Program – BounceBack is a free program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.
