Key Messages - Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week 2015
Key Messages
Mental Health Week
1. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has been a champion for positive mental health
since 1918 and has played an important role in improving people’s understanding of mental health
and mental illness. CMHA introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 and it is now a popular
week for a variety of mental health and addiction awareness and education campaigns, activities
and events across the country.
 Today MHW offers Canadians practical ways to maintain and improve their mental health
and support their recovery from mental illness.
2. During Mental Health Week we encourage all Canadians to reflect on their own attitudes toward
people living with mental health issues. Reducing discrimination and stigma is paramount, so that
people with mental health issues can be better supported in managing or recovering from their
illness.
3. ‘Mental Health For All’: Mental health is a state of well-being and important for all Canadians.
CMHA recognizes that mental health begins where we live, work, and play and actively supports
and encourages positive mental health in all aspects of daily life during its Mental Health Week and
throughout the year.
 In any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health problem or
illness, with a cost to the economy of well in excess of $50 billion.1
 Mental health issues indirectly affect us all at some time through a family member, friend or
colleague. The fact is that we are all touched in some way by mental health issues.
4. Across Canada, Mental Health Week events and activities are hosted by CMHA’s 105+ community
locations. Activities such as seminars, open houses, film screenings, art shows and walks provide
Canadians with information, resources and practical ways to stay mentally and physically healthy.
 For a full listing of events visit mentalhealthweek.ca
[1]
Smetanin, P., Stiff, D., Briante, C., Adair, C., Ahmad, S. & Khan, M. (2011). The life and economic impact of major mental illnesses in
Canada: 2011 to 2041. RiskAnalytica, on behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Campaign Concept: Fine or Phine – Now GET LOUD for mental health
1. Building on last year’s innovative campaign that encouraged people to talk more openly and
honestly about their mental health, CMHA will again ask Canadians: “Are you fine or phine?” But
this year, CMHA is also asking Canadians to GET LOUD for mental health because being phine is
not fine.
 What is “phine”? Too often people claim to be feeling fine when they are not. We are
characterizing this as being “phine”.
 CMHA wants Canadians to GET LOUD to be heard, raise awareness, reduce stigma, show
support, and ultimately take action.
 In any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health problem or
illness, with a cost to the economy of well in excess of $50 billion.1
2. This year’s Mental Health Week website will allow Canadians to register their intent to GET LOUD for
mental health. The site provides ideas such as reaching out to and supporting a friend, seeking
professional help for yourself, organizing mental health awareness and educational events at work,
writing to government and more. An interactive map will show Canada getting louder and louder
throughout Mental Health Week.
3. CMHA will also release an upbeat video to be promoted through CMHA's national and regional social
media channels and websites. An incredible group of Canadians have joined together in asking
everyone to GET LOUD for mental health!
These include:
 Shea Emry, Saskatchewan Roughrider Linebacker and co-founder of the Wellmen Project
 Andrew Jensen, Professional Golfer and mental health activist
 Amelia Curran, Canadian singer-songwriter and Juno Award winner,
 Michael Landsberg, Host of TSN’s Off The Record
 Founder and Executive Director of Jack.org, Eric Windeler
Also featured in the video will be first responders, a military family, university and high school
students and others who have been affected by mental illness.
4. This year, CMHA is focusing on increasing awareness of men and boy’s mental health and mental
illness by providing information, resources and the practical strategies and advice required to address
the mental health and well-being of men and boys.
 Men are more likely than women to develop Schizophrenia at a younger age.
 Girls and women attempt suicide at higher rates, but men and boys (particularly older men)
die by suicide more often.
About CMHA
Founded in 1918, The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps
maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nationwide leader and champion for
mental health, CMHA helps people access the community resources they need to build resilience
and support recovery from mental illness.
Visit the CMHA website at http://www.cmha.ca.