The first full week of October invites Canadians to share the realities of living with mental health issues through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
MIAW is an annual national public education campaign coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on
Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH). The campaign aims to engage Canadians in a
national conversation about mental illness and provide insight into the services and supports
available.
CMHA Algoma offers the Central Access and Information service, where you can speak with an Access Worker who will be able to provide you with information and referrals to the mental health and addictions services that are available in the Algoma District.
The pandemic has brought on new challenges and highlighted existing struggles that Canadians
face. A survey by CMHA Ontario showed that nearly half (48 per cent) of Ontarians say their
mental health has worsened over the past two years. Substance use among Ontarians has also
increased, and one in four people (24 per cent) have sought help for their mental health
challenges since the pandemic began.
Access to services and community support play a big part in the way people experience mental
illnesses. As a member of CAMIMH, CMHA supports the vision of a Canada where everyone
has timely access to mental health programs, services and supports without barriers. Visit the
CAMIMH website for more information on the MIAW campaign.