Mental Health Week is an annual, national Canadian Mental Health Association event that takes place during the first week in May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health. Local events and activities are planned among many of CMHA's 140 plus locations in communities across Canada. For more details about Mental Health Week and free resources and materials that you can download and use in your community, visit the national website at www.mentalhealthweek.ca.
In celebration of Mental Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador, CMHA-NL holds various events throughout the week. Select one of the following links to jump to the information you wish to view:
Upcoming Mental Health Week Events
Check back for details about Mental Health Week 2013.
Past Mental Health Week Events
2012 - RELAX! Retreat
During Mental Health Week 2012 (May 7 - 13), CMHA-NL held a day filled with wellness and fun to celebrate the theme of "Mental Health For All."
RELAX!A Mind, Body, Spirit Day Retreat
Date: Wednesday, May 9th, 2012Time: 8:30 AM to 4 PMLocation: Holiday Inn, St. John's, NL
Click here or on the image above to download and view the RELAX! Retreat Poster.
The RELAX! Retreat featured presentations on health and well-being with topics such as work-life balance, nutrition, fitness, meditation, self-expression, and more!
Click here to view the registration form and information
2011 - Compassion Fatigue Workshop and Presentation
During Mental Health Week 2011, CMHA-NL and the Schizophrenia Society of NL collaborated to hold a one-day workshop and a free public presentation on building skills to cope with compassion fatigue.Both the workshop and presentation were delivered by Diana Tikasz, MSW, RSW, an Associate with Workshops for the Helping Professions (WHP), which is part of the Ontario-based Compassion Fatigue Solutions.
WORKSHOP
Transforming Compassion Fatigue
and Vicarious Trauma:
Creative Tools for Developing Resiliency
Date: Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
Time: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Location: Capital Hotel in St. John’s, NL.
The event provided an opportunity for community/non-profit/voluntary mental health organizations, health care workers, caregivers, families, and others interested in this topic to learn more about compassion fatigue and self care to help them help others better.
PUBLIC PRESENTATION
Compassion Fatigue:
Thriving in Challenging Times
Date: May 3, 2011
Time: 7 - 8 PM
Location: Salon A, Capital Hotel, St. John’s
2010 - "Building your mental health: one support at a time" Symposium
In recognition of Mental Health Week 2010 (May 3rd - 9th, 2010), on Wednesday, May 5th, from 9:30 to 12 PM at the Health Sciences Centre Main Auditorium in St. John's, CMHA-NL held a public symposium with many sites from all regions of the province participating via video- and teleconference.
Mental Health Week 2010 was focused on the importance of supports to our mental health, and their role in dealing with life’s challenges and building resilience. The Symposium was a forum for expert presenters to discuss the various support networks that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need to cultivate in all areas of our lives.
George Skinner, Executive Director, CMHA-NL, presented a CMHA National presentation about building supports for good mental health.
Heidi Edgar, Justice Project Coordinator, CMHA-NL, addressed the supports that the Justice Project is providing to men with mental illnesses who are leaving Her Majesty’s Penitentiary and making transitions to the community.
Lisa Zigler, Project Coordinator of NAVNET (a coordinated systems response for individuals with “complex needs” in St. John’s) discussed gaps and how moving from a fragmented system to a coordinated response will benefit those with “complex needs”, who are often not able to access the support/services they need.
Mark Gruchy, President, CMHA-NL is a lawyer in St. John's who talked about his own personal journey with bipolar disorder and the personal supports that helped him recover. Sources of support in our everyday lives include positive relationships at work, good neighbours, ties to community, and caring relationships.
Karon-Ann Parsons, Provincial Executive Director, CHANNAL, addressed the topic of peer support and the recovery process, and their significance. Paula Evans, a CHANNAL regional coordinator, discussed her work and experience with self-help supports, and their unique role in building good mental health.
2010 - Launch of Out Loud: Essays on Mental Illness, Stigma and Recovery
2009 - Mental Health and the Economy Symposium
In recognition of Mental Health Week 2009 (May 4th - 10th, 2009), CMHA-NL held a Symposium on May 4th from 2 to 5 PM in the Health Sciences Centre Main Auditorium in St. John's, with many sites from all regions of the province participating via teleconference. The Symposium was hosted by Geoff Chaulk, Executive Director of CMHA-NL, and Colleen Simms, Regional Director of Mental Health and Addictions, Eastern Health.
The theme for this year's Mental Health Week was mental health and the economy, and the main message was "Now more than ever...invest in yourself!" There were four presentations which focused on our province's economy and how it affects us, and how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should continue to invest in their mental health during these stressful economic times. The presenters were as follows:
- Geoff Chaulk, Executive Director, CMHA-NL, showed the results from a nation-wide survey, Health is Cool 2009 (conducted by CMHA National and Desjardins Financial Security), on the effects of the economy on people's mental health. Click the image below to see the slides from the presentation.
- Dr. Wade Locke, Professor of Economics, Memorial University, talked about how our economy is really doing and helped us sort through the confusing messages that are often presented in the media. Click here to read "Don't Worry, Be Happy Or Should We: An Assessment of the Current Economic Crisis from the Perspective of Newfoundland and Labrador."
- Al Antle, Executive Director of Credit & Debt Solutions, talked about making investing in relationships a priority in tough economic times, as relationships are usually the first thing to suffer as people cut back on their spending.
- Dr. Joyce Nicholls-Goudsmid, a clinical psychologist at Terrace Clinic, Eastern Health, talked about living in the present moment and practicing mindfulness daily to deal with stress before it gets out of hand. Click here to read "Keeping an Open Mind: Coping in Difficult Times."
Special thanks to the co-hosts and presenters who shared their expert insights, gave us hope for the future and provided valuable tips for improving our mental health.
2008 - Mental Health Week - May 5th to 11th
For more information on Mental Health Week 2008, please see the following:
Press Release
Employer Brochure
Employee Brochure
2008 - Launch of Call for Essays on Mental Illness, Stigma and Recovery
To learn more about this exciting project, see the following information:
Press release
Promotional flyer
Criteria and instructions
Application form