We're celebrating Mental Illness Awareness Week by bringing to light the stories of hope, recovery, tragedy and persistence that illustrate the effects of mental illness and the importance of mental health.
In Canada, we're urged to take action now. Learn about mental illness and share experiences related to mental health. You can follow the conversation on Twitter at #TakeActionNow
In the United States, the conversation around ending stigma will permeate throughout the week. On Twitter, visit hashtag #IAmStigmaFree to follow along.
Statistics show that young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. This week, we're sharing content related to youth mental health - personal stories, statistics, tips and materials to help people understand the impact that mental health has on young people, and how that translates to the rest of us in society.
Stay tuned throughout the week as we add more resources, articles, blogs and links to this page.
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Events During Mental Illness Week
Being Scene
On daily until October 15, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
BEING SCENE is an annual juried exhibition produced by Workman Arts for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) presenting a cross-cultural portrait of the healing power of art in order to build a more respectful and realistic understanding of those recovering from mental illness and addiction.
Over the past 15 years, BEING SCENE has partnered with some of the city’s leading artistic and cultural figures. Among those who have been instrumental in helping BEING SCENE grow into its incredible success are the late artist and educator Lupe Rodriguez, Gillian McIntyre of the AGO, Mary Sue Rankin of the Edward Day Gallery, David Liss of MOCCA, and Anna Hudson of Canadian Art. As a result, BEING SCENE has evolved to occupy a significant role in Toronto’s cultural landscape, and work originally exhibited primarily on CAMH grounds has gone on to hang at other venues such as the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park in Toronto, and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Rocks in My Pockets Film Screening
Monday, October 5, 7 p.m.
Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival (RWM) and the Department of Psychiatry at U of T have teamed up to co-present a special screening of Signe Baumane’s Rocks In My Pockets as part of the 3rd Annual Mindfest salute to National Mental Illness Awareness Week. The event will also host an intimate discussion including writer/director/animator Signe Baumane, RWM program director Geoff Pevere and others following the screening.
In This Heaven Film Screening and Panel
Tuesday, October 6, 6 p.m.
This event is hosted by Aboriginal Engagement and Outreach and the Opioid Resource Hub of the Provincial System Support Program at CAMH, along with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). The film focuses on the challenges of opioid addiction and treatment in Ontario’s remote and rural First Nations communities.
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and Aboriginal Art Show of local and regional artists. The screening will commence at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by a panel discussion.
Stigmathon
Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 p.m.
Join us at this year's performance aimed at spreading awareness about mental illness, decreasing stigma, and showcasing the talent of the participants at CAMH's LEARN.
RSVP by October 5 with [email protected]
CAMH Mobile Lab Open House visits Sudbury
Wednesday, October 7, 10 a.m. - noon
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is rolling back into Sudbury, Ontario with Canada’s first known mobile laboratory dedicated to mental health research.
CAMH scientists collected data from local residents on stress, substance use, mental health and service use experiences during the lab’s stay in Chelmsford and downtown Sudbury over several months in 2013-2014. Two major research projects ran through the lab: CAMH’s Researching Health in Ontario Communities (RHOC) Program and Five Views on a Journey.
World Mental Health Day
Saturday, October 10
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10th, with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The theme for 2015 is “Dignity in Mental Health”. This year the WHO will be raising awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health conditions can continue to live with dignity, through human rights oriented policy and law, training of health professionals, respect for informed consent to treatment, inclusion in decision-making processes, and public information campaigns.