Mental Health Stories, Tips and Happenings

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also bring a lot of unexpected challenges. From navigating a

Meet Jonathan: A CBT Clinician with the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program Are you or someone you know struggling with stress,

For individuals seeking mental health support By Alejandra Rodriguez Guest blog submission to the Canadian Mental Health Association – York

In recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month in Canada, J shares their journey with gender-affirming care to highlight the importance of

At CMHA York Region South Simcoe, we stand with those who identify as autistic and their families. We know that

September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which also coincides with Orange Shirt Day. This day is

Back to school season rewrites daily rhythms, expectations and even identities. And this shift can be felt in both households

Are you struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or waking up too early every morning? You're not alone! In Canada,

Recently, there has been growing concern over the high cost of housing, the resulting homelessness, and the increase in encampments

Our words hold significant power, especially when it comes to the way we talk about mental illness and mental health.

As the new school year begins, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the changes—new routines, academic demands, and shifting social

The following story details difficult topics including suicide. Please take care while reading. If you’re in crisis, please call 1-855-310-COPE

Even though they sound similar, low mood and depression impact us in different ways. A low mood affects our behaviour

On June 21, CMHA YRSS will join communities across Canada in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. This day, rooted in the

The teenage years are a critical period of change, marked by hormonal changes, puberty, and cognitive and emotional changes that

As the cold winter days grow shorter, Ontarians may find themselves lacking energy and feeling “blue.” Winter blues is a

Blue Door INNclusion Program and mental health advocate, Judy Brunton,  among outstanding 2023 Beacon of Light Award Honourees   (Newmarket,

The holiday season is a time of celebration and joy, but it can also be extremely stressful, which is why

Dealing with major depressive disorder can be a long and challenging journey. One common hurdle is the lack of motivation,

Performance anxiety is a common yet sometimes debilitating mental health challenge that many individuals face at some point in their

October 1st to 7th is Mental Illness Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with

Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember those affected by suicide – siblings, parents, children, friends or co-workers –

On August 31, we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day as an opportunity to talk about harm reduction and how to

Back-to-school season is quickly approaching and as you prepare for the new school year ahead, don’t forget that taking care

Photo by Ryan To (Vaughan, ON) – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region South Simcoe’s largest fundraising event, Mental

July 24 marks Self-Care Day, so today we’re discussing the importance of prioritizing your mental health and offering practical tips

June 27 marks Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day.   PTSD is a mental illness commonly caused by exposure to trauma

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region South Simcoe joins individuals and organizations worldwide to celebrate the history, courage and

Today is Early Psychosis and Schizophrenia Awareness Day. Our H.O.P.E. Early Psychosis Intervention team understands that it can be upsetting

Sunday, June 11, 2023 | Ray Twinney Recreation Complex  Mental Health in Motion is York Region’s largest fundraiser for youth

It’s CMHA's Mental Health Week (May 1-7, 2023)!  In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental

Earth Day is April 22, and while it’s a wonderful day to celebrate our beautiful planet, it’s also an opportunity

The provincial government has allocated the largest base funding commitment for community mental health and addictions care in a decade

In alignment with National Social Work Month’s 2023 theme, Social Work Breaks Barriers, Stefani, Victoria and Yekta are sharing how

During the winter months, feelings of loneliness can be a common experience. This can directly impact our physical and mental

On June 14, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region and South Simcoe, joins organizations across Canada in recognizing Men's

What is gender-affirming care and why does it matter?  Gender-affirming care is any kind of health care where a person’s

Content warning: This message refers to colonial and gender-based violence. CMHA-YRSS recognizes today, May 5, as the National Day of Awareness

Today (April 5, 2022), CMHA-YRSS joins individuals and organizations across the country in celebrating National Caregiver Day. National Caregiver Day

Moving to a new country can be challenging and stressful. That is why at Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region

Statement from Health Service Providers in Ontario’s Central Region: We Stand Together to Support Respect and Safety for Ontario’s Workers

Black History Month is celebrated in February in Canada. In honour of this month, Shon a Case Manager in our

(Newmarket, Feb. 7, 2022) – New polling data released today indicates that more Ontarians are accessing mental health supports than

CMHA York Region and South Simoce joins Canadians across the country to honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and

Dear Reader, Mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, coach, engineer, science fiction fan. These are some of the

Under the Rainbow is a free supportive and social group for anyone who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ or as an ally.

This year, the theme of Bell Let’s Talk Day is Keep Listening, Keep Talking and being there for ourselves and

The last couple of years have been difficult for nearly everyone. In fact, according to a survey conducted by CMHA

The beginning of every New Year is often used to set new personal goals. Health, relationships, and travel are commonly

The Newcomers' Health and Well-Being Program is excited to be offering three exciting FREE, virtual workshops for Newcomer Families. Below

Sixteen year old Samira struggled with depression and an eating disorder, and spent years suffering in silence. No one knew

We’ve been nominated for the 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards under the category of Best Non Profit/Foundation in eight York Region

I’m an Olympic Gold Medalist. I never thought I’d be homeless. Training for the Olympics is hard. But being homeless

Did you know that you can become a certified mental health first responder? Knowing more about mental illness and having

I live with bi-polar disorder. When it comes to the Christmas season, people automatically assume my bi-polar depression will rear

From November 21 – 27, CMHA York Region and South Simcoe will join with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use

It’s important to pay attention to your mental health just as you would your physical health. CMHA Ontario is reminding students to keep their mental

Today we join Canadians across the country in honouring the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities for Truth

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. Understandably, the topic of suicide is difficult for many. That’s why we’ve created

The Community Safety and Wellbeing (CWSB) Plan for York Region will help build strong, caring and safe communities for all

MEDIA RELEASE (Newmarket, ON – August 3, 2021) – The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS)

In honour of the children who died at residential schools and in recognition of the survivors and their families, the

CMHA York Region and South Simcoe joins many across the country in reflecting on Canada’s past and future this year

Happy Pride everyone! To me, Pride Month is about coming together to show our support for all members of the

The staff here at CMHA York Region and South Simcoe believe in our mission and work so much, that many

Sunday, June 13, 2021 @ 9:00 A.M. Facebook and YouTube Join us for our Mental Health in Motion Virtual Kick-Off

The staff here at CMHA York Region and South Simcoe believe in our mission and work so much, that many

  Mental Health In Motion is back and this year we are going virtual. Learn why Joshua, who is a

We are so happy to introduce you to our Ambassadors for Mental Health in Motion 2021. They have come on

We are so excited to announce the Paws in Motion Team! Knowing the positive influence that animals have on our

We are so grateful both on Nursing Week and every week for the amazing nurses that make up our team

We are so grateful both on Nursing Week and every week for the amazing nurses that make up our team

We are so grateful both on Nursing Week and every week for the amazing nurses that make up our team

March is National Social Work Month, with Social Work Week running from March 1st through 7th. In honour of these events, we decided

In honour of National Social Work Month, we decided to share the profiles of some of the great Social Workers that

In honour of National Social Work Month, we decided to share the profiles of some of the great Social Workers

This week we are sharing the profiles of two of our amazing Peer Support Specialists and the awesome work they

Homelessness is a pressing issue in York Region and something that can happen to anyone at any given time. Homelessness also comes

The staff here at CMHA York Region and South Simcoe believe in our mission and work so much, that many

Peer Support Specialist: Bill This week we are sharing the profiles of two of our amazing Peer Support Specialists and

On February 9, CMHA joins educators, industry professionals and the community worldwide in acknowledging Safer Internet Day, which aims to

By Nicole Parker, James Welsman and Brian Major With depression and anxiety being talked about more frequently, we are on

This year’s 12 Days of Giving and Receiving Campaign is not only our way of raising the funds necessary to

Here at CMHA, we are extremely grateful to our donors, volunteers, followers, community and others who make a difference in

Our holiday happiness playlist is here! We consulted our various cultural affinity groups and staff members to come up with

Trigger Warning: Suicide Ideation/Mature Content We talk a lot about how MOBYSS – Ontario’s first and only mobile youth health clinic –

Like many things in 2021, this holiday season is going to be unique. Along with typical holiday stressors such as

Igniting Her Passion: Laurie-National Housing Day November 22, 2020 is National Housing Day, where we acknowledge the work done by

Coping With the Death of a Loved One From Suicide November 21 marks Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Losing a

CMHA York Region and South Simcoe joins individuals and organizations worldwide to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual

November 8 to 14, 2020 is Nurse Practitioner Week where we celebrate the vital role that Nurse Practitioners play in our health-care

November 8 to 14, 2020 is Nurse Practitioner Week where we celebrate the vital role that Nurse Practitioners play in our health-care

October is Occupational Therapy Month. During this time, we take time to recognize the important contributions that these healthcare workers have

The Beginning Jacky came across Occupational Therapy for the first time, after finishing his undergraduate degree in psychology, when he

Once Upon a Time… When Deb was young, she read a book about a boy who had been severely burned.

Each day, 11 Canadians take their own lives, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death amongst young people. There

Social media is always changing, and it can be hard for parents and caregivers to know who young people are

By Lisa Wood and Sandy Bundy Are you feeling anxious about the school year ahead? Many things have changed for

By Lisa Wood and Sandy Bundy As we reflect back on the past six months, there is no doubt that

Why does your campus need an opioid overdose protocol? The case is simple. When it comes to substance use, youth

Art with Heart at Home Being creative together offers us an opportunity to connect with others, our environment and ourselves.

Although you have probably heard of self-care before through memes encouraging you to ‘treat yo’ self’ or embedded in descriptions

Here in Canada we are not immune to racism. Along with racism comes a host of negative effects, including mental

Today is World Senior Citizen’s Day. In honour of the occasion we thought we would share some information about mental

Children are not born knowing what it means to be a ‘boy’ or a ‘girl’, they learn it. But, no

Did You Know? Babies recognize differences in skin colour and hair texture ( Rebecca Bigler via Parents Magazine). At birth, babies

Here in York Region and South Simcoe, we acknowledge the traditional land owners, the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the

Pride is a celebration, but it began as a protest led by trans people of color. If we’re gonna talk

“Caring For Myself Is Not Self-Indulgence, It’s Self-Preservation And That Is An Act Of Political Warfare.” ~ Audre Lorde As

It’s pride month!  For many identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and the many diverse variations on these identities), pride is

Dear Friends, June 1st marks the beginning of Pride Month. I read this from a news article by the BBC, June

It’s not a surprise that since the pandemic, the use of social media has risen dramatically. Facebook and Instagram have seen

Today we stand in solidarity with all those affected by and grieving the recent murders of innocent members of the

Meditation is a great addition to add to your wellness toolbox on your quest to achieve better mental health. Although

Suicide. It’s a difficult topic to bring up. However, when someone talks about suicide or brings up concern for a

Our Home First Community Support Program has stepped up in a big way to support clients during COVID-19, ensuring those receiving rent

Bringing a new baby into the family can be challenging at the best of times, both physically and emotionally. It

Here at CMHA York Region and South Simcoe we are so proud of and grateful to our amazing volunteers! They

As students prepare for exams, CMHA Ontario is reminding them to keep mental health in mind with some quick stress-management