CMHA’s annual Mental Health Week looks to shift attitudes and perceptions about mental health.

Apr 14, 2023

Within our stories is the mental health care we all need.

From May 1 – 7 CMHAs across Canada recognize Mental Health Week, a social change campaign to educate the public and shift beliefs and perceptions about mental health.

This year’s theme is MY STORY.

Storytelling is a fundamental part of being human. Stories help build connections and strong communities. Storytelling, in all its forms, supports mental health and reduces stigma. 

Mental Health Week 2023 will amplify some of the voices and spaces within which mental health exists across Canada, especially at the community level through non-profit agencies and programs.

LEARN MORE

GET INVOLVED

• DONATE to help create lasting impact for community mental health programs and support services.
• DOWNLOAD OUR TOOLKIT and share your story.
• FIND RESOURCES
• RESOURCES AND STORIES

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK CALENDAR

There are lots of ways to mark Mental Health Week across the province.

MONDAY, MAY 1

CMHA HALIFAX – DARTMOUTH BRANCH

Mental Health Community Drop-in at the Hampton Inn 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 p.m. | LEARN MORE

CMHA COLCHESTER EAST-HANTS BRANCH

• Participate in the Colchester Clean. Join CMHA CEH staff throughout downtown Truro from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Bring a grabber/pick-up stick to help if you have one. | LEARN MORE
• The garden club meets at CMHA Colchester East-Hants Branch office from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | LEARN MORE

TUESDAY, MAY 2

CMHA COLCHESTER EAST-HANTS BRANCH

The Club is having a nature walk in Tatamagouche at 2:00 p.m. from the Tata Centre. The Community Mental Health group meets from  5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | LEARN MORE

CMHA NS DIVISION

THRIVE workshop series: Creative Strengths for Resilience | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | REGISTER

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

CMHA COLCHESTER EAST-HANTS BRANCH

Youth Outreach group will host art group and board games. | LEARN MORE

CMHA NS DIVISION

• THRIVE workshop series: New Beginnings  | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.| REGISTER
• PEER SUPPORT GROUP: Circle of Friends | Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | REGISTER
• PEER SUPPORT GROUP: Men’s Mental Health | Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. | REGISTER

THURSDAY, MAY 4

CMHA COLCHESTER EAST-HANTS BRANCH

• There will be a BBQ fundraiser and plant sale at the CMHA CEH office from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.  | LEARN MORE
• Youth Outreach will host Dungeons & Dragons in the evening.  | LEARN MORE

CMHA NS DIVISION

CMHA NS will host Champions for Change, a panel discussion that celebrates the role of community based organizations and the critical role they play in supporting and promoting mental health. The panel will be held on Zoom and begins at 6:00 p.m. | REGISTER

FRIDAY, MAY 5

CMHA COLCHESTER EAST-HANTS BRANCH

CMHA CEH hosts pickleball at the Douglas Rec Centre from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | LEARN MORE

CREATE LASTING IMPACT
Nova Scotians can join the fight for universal mental health care by supporting community
organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association.

• We all need care to thrive but as things are, only some of us will get it. Mounting mental
  health needs are straining our systems and for two out of three of us, care isn’t available
  due to cost, wait times, location, or lack of equitable access.
  
• Call on your local government representatives to ensure mental health supports are
  available and funded outside of a hospital or doctor’s office. VISIT ACT FOR MENTAL HEALTH.
  

FIND SUPPORT

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, there are free community
programs and services available to help.

• For free resources and 24/7 counseling over the phone, visit the Government of
  Canada’s Wellness Together portal.
  
• If you are thinking about suicide, call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service toll-free at
  1-833-456-4566 (1-866-277-3553 in Quebec)