2017 Mental Illness Awareness Week

2017 Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)

Mental illness impacts more than six million people across Canada. In support of MIAW, we invite you to make mental health a priority by helping to raise awareness and reducing the associated stigma. From October 1 to October 7, reduce the stigma by joining the conversation by tweeting, posting, and sharing information via your social media outlets by using the hashtag #MIAW17.

Below are examples of messages that you can share on social media:

• This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Join the conversation about mental health and #mentalillness and help raise awareness! #MIAW17
• Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in a given year? Help spread the word and join the conversation! #MIAW17
• Help me spread the word about Mental Illness Awareness Week by tweeting #MIAW17!
• Want to learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week? Visit http://www.camimh.ca/mental-illness-awareness-week/about-miaw/ #MIAW17
• No one should have to feel alone on the road to recovery with #mentalillness. Join the conversation today! #MIAW17

Remember to like MIAW on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter! Awareness actions appropriate solutions and support!

Learn more about the importance of mental illness and mental health and read about the Faces of Mental Illness campaign on the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health website. 

2017 Mental Health Day

October 10^th is mental health day, with this year’s theme emphasizing mental health in the workplace. The overall objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues and organize efforts in support of better mental health.

If you are experiencing mental health challenges in the workplace, feel free to connect with your supervisor/ manager, a colleague, your union representative or Ashley Lee (Coordinator, Workplace Reintegration and Attendance Promotion), to discuss how you can best be supported. The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is another available resource.

The Canadian Mental Health Association provides community support to those suffering from a mental health illness via the Bounce Back program; a free community resource for residents of BC and appropriate for anyone ages 15+ experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. The program offers assistance in three ways:

1. Bounce Back Today Video – This video offers practical tips and is available online or in DVD format.
2. Bounce Back Coaching – A customized series of workbooks with 4 to 6 coaching sessions delivered by phone or video conference. To access this coaching service, please request a referral from your physician.
3. Bounce Back Online – An independent, self-guided online program with access to video modules, e-books and worksheets.

For more information on the Bounce Back program, click here.