The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is deeply concerned by the recent deaths of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis across Canada stemming from interactions with the police. Each of these deaths is an unacceptable tragedy. We extend our condolences to the families, loved ones and communities mourning these deaths, and call on decision-makers to […]Continue readingCMHA National statement: mental illness is not a crime
National News
Warning signs: more Canadians thinking about suicide during pandemic
New national survey from the Canadian Mental Health Association and UBC exposes troubling pandemic mental health vulnerabilities across various groups Toronto, ON and Vancouver, BC – The pandemic has caused intense stress and disruption for all people in Canada, and is causing pronounced mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts and feelings, in various subgroups of […]Continue readingWarning signs: more Canadians thinking about suicide during pandemic
Rexall stores launch caregiver campaign through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Rexall has announced a new partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to support caregiver mental health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Through the Rexall Care Network, Rexall is proud to support caregivers in over 200 local communities as they provide essential care to loved ones,” said Frank Monteleone, President & Chair, Rexall Care […]Continue readingRexall stores launch caregiver campaign through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Listening: how to make your social interactions real
Why do we answer “I’m fine, thanks” even when it isn’t true? Why do we answer superficially when someone asks us how we’re doing? It’s partly because we aren’t sure the other person is really listening. Arguably, the standard question “how are you?” and the polite response “I’m fine, thanks” come with an unspoken understanding: […]Continue readingListening: how to make your social interactions real
Tips on how to really listen
Sharing is caring, but so is listening! Building real connection with other people in your life can take some getting used to—especially when it’s so normal in our society to go through the motions and have surface conversations. Studies show that we spend about 70 to 80 percent of our waking hours in some form […]Continue readingTips on how to really listen
More than simply “fine”
It happens every time we say hello. In person, in text, on the phone. Someone asks us how we’re doing. It’s politeness. It’s a social convention. And it’s a way to find out how we’re all doing and connect with each other. But, more often than not, do you find yourself answering, automatically, with “fine, […]Continue readingMore than simply “fine”
Social connection is the cure
Long before there was COVID-19, there was loneliness. In recent years, loneliness has been considered a growing public health problem. Even an epidemic. Researchers started sounding the alarm, and some governments started to take action. In 2018, for instance, the United Kingdom appointed a Minister of Loneliness. So, what exactly is loneliness? Well, you’re lonely […]Continue readingSocial connection is the cure
7 ways to #GetReal about how you feel
Every year, in the first full week of May, people rally for CMHA Mental Health Week. It’s a Canadian tradition bringing communities, schools and workplaces together to celebrate, protect and promote mental health. This year, things are looking a little different. We are confined to our individual living spaces, in a time of collective uncertainty […]Continue reading7 ways to #GetReal about how you feel
b4stage4 conference panel: BC’s Addiction Crisis and a Call for Action
As fentanyl slips past Canadian borders and safe injection sites find their way into BC communities, the topic of addictions care is a pressing one. Now is the time to generate a significant shift in our system of care to support those in recovery. We must ensure every person who needs care has access to […]Continue readingb4stage4 conference panel: BC’s Addiction Crisis and a Call for Action
b4stage4 conference welcomes UK expert and advocate Rt Hon Norman Lamb
CMHA is thrilled to welcome Rt Hon Norman Lamb, Member of Parliament from the UK, as our esteemed keynote speaker at the b4stage4 conference this month, on November 28-30 in Victoria, BC. Mr. Lamb is a tireless advocate for mental health issues and has fought passionately for the fair and equal treatment of mental health care. […]Continue readingb4stage4 conference welcomes UK expert and advocate Rt Hon Norman Lamb