#GETLOUD for the 66th Annual CMHA Mental Health Week

It’s time to work on your outside voice and get ready to #GETLOUD May 1 – 7, 2017, for the 66^th Annual CMHA Mental Health Week. CMHA Mental Health Week was first introduced in 1951 to raise mental health awareness. It is now a Canadian tradition, focused on raising critical awareness while offering practical ways to maintain and improve mental health and support recovery.

In Calgary, CMHA will be actively celebrating the week through many different events and initiatives, including:

• The Calgary tower lights up in Blue & Green – Monday, May 1, 2017
• The Reconciliation Bridge lights up in Blue & Green – Monday, May 1, 2017
• Beard Run, Film Screening and Mental Health Panel– Wednesday, May 3, 2017 – In collaboration with the Beard Run, Mental Film Fest and CMHA Calgary Region. Join the 2nd Annual Beard Run, a 5 mile (8km) Fun Run that celebrates living a physically healthy bearded lifestyle with great bearded and non-bearded people, followed by some short films including people’s stories about mental health and awareness.

Beard Run: 
Location: Fort Calgary, Located Outside
Time: Run starts at 6:00 p.m.; Film Screening starts at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 early bird price until April 16; $25 regular price from April 17 to May 3; (includes Swag Pack and $5 donation directly to Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region).
To register click here.

Film Screening & Mental Health Panel
*You do not have to attend the Beard Run to attend Film Screening* 
Location: Fort Calgary, Burnswest Theatre
Time: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., Screening starts 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Include with admission to Beard Run or by donation

Film Screening of Nguni Runner, Brothers and The Failure Way, followed by a panel discussion with the featured film subjects.

• CMHA Calgary will also be at numerous tradeshows, schools and workplaces throughout Mental Health Week including Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre to talk about Indigenous Mental Health (Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), and Bike to Work Day Calgary (Friday, May 5, 2017 from 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.). If you see us out in the community, stop by and say hi!
• The Alberta Teachers’ Association Local 38 will be hosting their 3^rd Annual Calgary Public Teachers Mental Health Awareness Night in support of CMHA Calgary.

How can you GET LOUD for mental health? Here are some ideas to start you off:

• GET LOUD BY SPEAKING UP!
  We often suffer silently. One of the ways to Get Loud is to speak up. Talk openly to someone you feel safe with: a loved one or a friend. If they’re informed and supportive, they won’t judge or shame you about your mental health concerns. They may even have their own concerns, and you’d be opening a dialogue. Either way, talking about it ends the silence.
• GET LOUD BY BEING THAT FRIEND
  You can be that friend who opens up the conversation. You can start by simply asking “How are you, really?” Offer to listen without judgment, and to do what you can to help.
• GET LOUD TO GET HELP
  The one person you’ll want to GET LOUD to next is your family doctor. Tell them if you need support. Tell them if you need services. Contact your local CMHA for programs and services in your area. If you’re in crisis, don’t wait. Go to your hospital emergency department or call 911.
• GET LOUD FOR MORE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
  Don’t stop at seeking help: demand it. Get Loud with your elected representatives. Tell them we need increased mental health funding for more – and better – mental health programs and services. Governments at every level need to hear that mental health is a top health priority for all Canadians.
• GET LOUD FOR A HEALTHIER WORKPLACE
  You can promote mental health where you work. One place to start is to book a CMHA education session to break through the stigma related to mental illness and promote mental health and wellness.
• GET LOUD BY HOSTING AN EVENT
  Organize and host an event to raise awareness and funds to support CMHA’s mission. Together, let’s improve and maintain the mental health of all Canadians, while helping to support those of us with mental illness. Check out these ideas for inspiration.
• GET CREATIVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
  Get Loud in song. Get Loud with art. Write a song, create a work of art, build a sculpture or craft a poem. Don’t forget to share it on your social media.
• GET SOCIAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH
  Use social media to promote CMHA Mental Health Week. Ask your friends to share your posts and get the message out that we are Getting Loud for mental health. And don’t forget: tell us how you’re getting loud. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
• GIVE TO GET LOUD
  Make a donation to CMHA. We will use these funds to GET LOUD on your behalf, for better mental health for all Canadians.

Our Peer Support program services can be accessed over the phone at 403-297-1402 or through email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.