Standing United for Mental Health Week

I am currently facing the hurt and the peril that mental illness can impose on one’s life through the lens of someone close to me. I have travelled with them and acknowledge their journey to be long and demanding.

The reality is, many people in Halton and Hamilton struggle with mental wellness. And, I think we can all agree everyone needs a support system to lean on from time-to-time.

From May 7-13, Canadian Mental Health Association will be taking part in its 67^th annual Mental Health Awareness Week. The week has brought together all Canadians in communities, schools and workplaces to rally behind ending the discrimination, stigma and shame that surrounds mental illness.

United Way Halton & Hamilton is proud to support 60 programs that assist those living in our communities requiring mental health resources. Providing these critical supports and addiction services can help our neighbours transform their futures.

In addition to investing in local agencies, I am tremendously proud our United Way is committed to bringing awareness to mental health in the workplace through the “Can You See Me?” initiative. In Canada, one in five children will experience a mental health issue, and five out of six will not receive the necessary treatment. This free, customizable child and youth mental awareness program is available to companies and organizations through seminars, and provides information to parents and caregivers about what resources are available.

The Canadian Mental Health Association states mental health is about more than mental illness. It’s about feeling good about who you are, having balance in your life, and managing life’s highs and lows.

During this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s stand united and #GetLoud about what mental health really is.