Each year, Canadians are encouraged to spend time sharing their personal experiences with mental health and mental illness, either in person, at events, or online, starting on the second Monday in May.

Mental Health Week raises awareness for mental health care, with a special focus on ending the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.

According to the World Health Organization, depression is common. In fact, more than 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. These numbers don’t lie: mental health is one of the most pressing global health issues, affecting millions of people – it is time to bring mental health out of the shadows and shine a light on hope and healing.

One in five Canadians live with mental health issues, illnesses, or addiction. But the reality is, all of us have “mental health,” just like we all have physical health.

St. Boniface Hospital’s Mental Health Program provides vital care to adults suffering from mental illness through multidisciplinary psychiatric and psychological services. More than 400 patients are admitted annually for acute inpatient treatment, and outpatient services sees more than 14,000 visits each year.

The Hospital’s Mental Health Program treats adults of all ages and walks of life – patients range in age from 18 to 99 years old. A critical program at the Hospital, Foundation donors have helped fund equipment for treating different mental illnesses, including rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation).

Learn more from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).