Mental Health Week

Toady is the beginning of a new week that brings with it a chance of showers and a high of 15 degrees. Not even the overcast skies outside the Eating Disorders of York Region office in Aurora can take away the excitement of a new week with new adventures.

You might be thinking, “It’s Monday. I’m groggy, hungry, tired and bored…what could possibly make the beginning of this week so special?” Well, today marks the start of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week.

Mental Health Week is an annual national event that takes place during the first week of May. CMHA says the weeklong initiative encourages people from every community to join in mental health awareness by learning, talking, reflecting and engaging with one another on various mental health issues.

“We’re celebrating 61 years of improving people’s understanding of mental health through our annual Mental Health Week, May 7-13, 2012!” reads the CMHA-run MentalHealthWeek.ca.

This year’s theme is Mental Health for All, which is why EDOYR is encouraging our Circle of Friends to spread mental health awareness.

Photo by: xlordashx

Eating disorders are the mental health issue with the highest mortality rate. Though females make up 90 to 95 per cent of those diagnosed, eating disorders affect everyone and are increasingly seen amongst males. Unfortunately, there is still so much the community does not know about eating disorders.

You could help spread eating disorder awareness by volunteering with EDOYR and/or organizing a friend-raising initiative.

Send us an e-mail to info@edoyr.com with a personal story about how you’re getting involved with Mental Health Week. Tweet us @EDOYR and give us a teaser to your Mental Health Week plans. Take a photo of yourself celebrating your true colours and submit it for a chance to show up on our Facebook, Twitter, blog and/or website.

By: Leviana Coccia
Events and Communications Coordinator at EDOYR