The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 to raise awareness of mental illness in Canada.

This year, the CMHA is launching the first-ever Be Mind Full initiative. It’s asking Canadians to describe how they really feel.

Too often people claim to be feeling fine when they do not.

The result: approximately seven million Canadians—20% of the population—live with mental illness. And many do not seek treatment because of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems.

Also this year, the CMHA is focusing on increasing awareness of women’s mental health and mental illness by providing information, resources, and the practical strategies and advice required to address women’s mental health issues.

A listing of Mental Health Week events are available on the CMHA’s website.