#GetReal for Mental Health Week

May 4, 2020

A Canadian tradition, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week –May 4-10 – rallies communities, schools, workplaces and legislatures in a common push for mental health. Because we all have mental health, and we all need to protect it. This year, Mental Health Week is all about social connection. While loneliness and social isolation cause all sorts of health issues, connecting with each other doesn’t just feel good; it’s good for our mental health.

For Mental Health Week, CMHA put the question “How are you?” under the microscope. It turns out, Canadians say we’re fine, even when we don’t really mean it. (See our release on a recent survey showing this.)

That’s why CMHA has launched the #GetReal campaign. In these days of isolation and distance from each other, let’s #GetReal about how we feel and lean on each other for support, even if it has to be from afar.

“In our society, it’s a cultural norm to ask people how they’re doing, but not to expect, nor provide, a truthful answer,” says Margaret Eaton, CMHA National CEO. “This Mental Health Week, it’s time to get real about how we feel. It’s clear we need each other more than ever.”

So, this Mental Health Week, no more short cuts to connection. Let’s say more than “I’m fine, thanks” and let’s really listen to the answer. Real, meaningful connection will see us through.

Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for info and tools about CMHA Mental Health Week. Connect with us on social media using the hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealthWeek.