NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION WATERLOO WELLINGTON
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The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington is encouraging you to check in on your mental health during Mental Health Week May 6-12.
One in five Canadians experiences a mental health illness or problem every year, but all five in five of us have mental health, just like we all have physical health.
There are six common features of good mental health: a sense of self, a sense of purpose, of belonging, contribution, enjoyment and resilience.
“So, what is mental health? Simply put, it is a state of well-being, and we all have it. We might have a mental illness, and we might not. Either way, we can all feel well. We can all feel good about ourselves, whatever life’s ups and downs,” says Helen Fishburn, Acting Executive Director CMHA Waterloo Wellington.
This year, from May 6-12, CMHA is asking all Canadians to “Get Loud” on social media and in their communities, workplaces and schools about mental health.
How is CMHA WW getting loud? Mental Health Week Events:
Sunday May 5 – Kicking off Mental Health Week with Shopper's Run for Women in Support of CMHA WW at Shade's Mills Conservation Area on Sunday May 5. Over 1,000 people participated and over $115,000 was raised for CMHA WW Mental Health programs and services.
Monday May 6 - Kim Barthel, an internationally renowned expert in attachment, trauma and neurobiology is presenting “Seeing the Big Picture: Impacts of Trauma and Stages of Development – Understanding Trauma and Relationships Matters” at a one-day conference at Bingeman’s.
There are two free SafeTALK suicide alertness trainings happening, one in Waterloo on May 6, and one in Guelph sponsored by the Guelph Community Foundation on May 7th.
Thursday May 9 - A general public evening event with Kim Barthel as she explores concepts and insights from her book “Conversations with a Rattlesnake,” delving into the science of compassion.
Friday May 10 - CMHA WW Cambridge Site will be hosting a Mental Health Week Art Exhibit featuring work from clients of CMHA. The Grand Opening will be Friday May 10, 2019 from 3 - 4 p.m.
CMHA WW’s Executive Director Helen Fishburn is available throughout the week for interviews about how to celebrate, protect and promote your mental health.
Mental Health Week was introduced by CMHA in 1951 and has since become a Canadian tradition. For more information about CMHA Mental Health Week, or for information or tools about your own mental health, please visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca.
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