National Mental Health Week - May 6-12, 2013

National Mental Health Week reminds Canadians that mental health is an important part of their overall health.  This year's theme, Youth Mental Health, highlights the particular importance of the mental health of children and teenagers and the important role parents, caregivers and adults can play in helping youth build and maintain their mental health.

Approximately 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental health problems or illness each year. As adults, we are aware that the journey from youth into adulthood can be both complex and challenging. The pressure to succeed at school and in social groups can be extremely stressful. A young person's ability to cope with life's daily challenges and their ability to enjoy life is impacted by the quality of their mental health.

We all have a role to play in promoting the mental health of young Canadians.  I want to acknowledge the Canadian Mental Health Association for creating an open dialogue that's resulting in a more supportive and healthier society for all Canadians. It encourages us to work together to find ways to reduce the stigma that forces many people - in particular young people - to suffer in silence instead of seeking the help they need and deserve.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of participating in an event with Clara Hughes, the spokesperson for Bell Canada's Let's Talk campaign, as well as with Stephanie Richardson, the founder of Do It For Daron, two organizations - one national, and one local - that have helped bring the issue of youth mental health out of the shadows and into the light. It was moving to hear them speak with such eloquence and conviction on the topic of youth mental health and I applaud their efforts, and those of the many other organizations who work on this issue.

The Government of Canada recognizes that a person's health and well-being can be strongly influenced during the developmental years. That's why we invest heavily in mental health programs and initiatives that directly and indirectly promote positive mental health of children, youth and their families.

We also invest in research to help us better understand how our young people are doing. For example, the  2010 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study included a special focus on mental health. Key findings from this study showed us that the majority of Canada's youth are highly resilient and adaptable, and most are making a successful transition into adulthood.

As Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to participate in both the national and regional events taking place across Canada this week.  We can all benefit from learning ways to take care of our positive mental health so can we enjoy longer, healthier lives.

For more information on mental health please visit:  Healthy Canadians.

To find Mental Health Week events in your community visit:  Mental Health Week.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada