During CMHA Mental Health Week, Canadians take time to reflect on their mental health. But we do more than just reflect. We get loud about it. Join our Mayor and our Prime Minister in getting loud for mental health!
1. GET LOUD BY SPEAKING UP!
We often suffer silently. One of the ways to #GETLOUD is to speak up. Talk openly to someone you feel safe with: a loved one or a friend. If they’re informed and supportive, they won’t judge or shame you about your mental health concerns. Also consider talking to your family doctor. Tell them if you need support. Click around CMHA Kelowna’s website to learn about the programs and services we offer. If you’re in crisis, don’t wait. Go to your hospital emergency department or call 911. If you’re concerned about a friend, we have workshops like safeTALK (a suicide alertness training) to help you feel more prepared to help a loved one.
2. GET LOUD FOR A HEALTHIER WORKPLACE
You can promote mental health where you work. One way to start is to book a CMHA Kelowna presentation that provides education and addresses mental health in the workplace. Our experienced facilitators offer a wide range of presentations and we can even build the perfect package for your workplace. Click here to learn more about what we can offer workplaces and subscribe to our Workplace E-Newsletter.
3. GET LOUD FOR MORE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
Don’t stop at seeking help: demand it. CMHA’s vision of mental health for all will only be achieved if all political parties commit to a system of education, prevention and early intervention. Get Loud with your elected representatives. Tell them we need increased mental health funding for more – and better – mental health programs and services. Governments at every level need to hear that mental health is a top health priority for all Canadians. CMHA has made this easy – click here to use the “Send Your Letter” tool to submit a pre-written letter directly to your representative. Tell the government that you demand improved mental health services #b4stage4.
4. GET LOUD FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Change is coming. CMHA Kelowna has partnered with KGH Foundation to raise $2 million to open Foundry Kelowna, a new integrated mental health care centre to support youth age 12 – 24 struggling with mental health issues. With CMHA Kelowna as the lead organization, 25 local service agencies will work together under one roof to dramatically shift the way in which our children and families access the help they need, when they need it. But we need your help, too. Make a donation of any size to #GETLOUD for youth and families in our community.
5. GET SOCIAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Use social media to promote CMHA Mental Health Week. Use #MHW2017, #GETLOUD and tag @CMHAKelowna on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be creative! We’ll share our favourite posts, tweets, pics, videos, poems, drawings, and whatever else we find throughout the week. Ask your friends to share your posts and get the message out that you are Getting Loud for mental health.
(Adapted from CMHA Alberta’s Nine Suggested Ways to Get Loud for Mental Health)
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