The primary goal of the My Mental Health campaign was to increase awareness of mental illness to eliminate the misconceptions surrounding it. Perceptions about mental illnesses need to be changed. Stereotypes given to those living with a mental illness can be debilitating. With misconceptions removed, those who need help will be better able to reach out for it.

The Canadian Mental Health Association was proud to work with TransCanada Corporation, RBC Financial Group and other partners on this initiative to change the way people think about mental illness. This campaign was a powerful force in the community and a positive step forward in the advocacy of better mental health. The involvement of these well-respected organizations assists in legitimizing the message of the campaign and increases awareness of this important issue.

Join us in our efforts to promote good mental health and the elimination of misconceptions surrounding mental illness. Some great ways to become involved are to integrate the 5 steps into your community or organization, to support your local Canadian Mental Health Association office or other mental health advocacy and service groups, and by letting government and corporations know how important mental health awareness and services are. By doing so, you will be helping lead the way to change attitudes and behaviors toward mental health issues. For more information contact your local CMHA office.

My Mental Health Campaign Results!

When we began the campaign, our hope was that the community would adopt a better understanding of mental illness and an acceptance of the fact that any and everyone is at risk. We wanted to provide a better understanding of mental health and wellness and promote more proactive help-seeking practices amongst the general population. In many ways, we were successful in promoting change through the My Mental Health Campaign.

When the campaign ended in March 2008, an Ipsos Reid poll was completed, surveying the public's attitudes after the campaign compared to before we began. The results show we did get started on the road to changing people's attitudes and awareness. There is still much work to be done in order to change long-standing misperceptions, but the My Mental Health campaign shows that with the effort and cooperation of mental health agencies, influential corporations, and government bodies, we can make a difference! To see a summary of the Ipsos Reid poll, click here - may take a few moments to download.

Thinking of starting your own awareness campaign?

The My Mental Health Campaign is the first initiative of its kind in Alberta. The level of collaboration between CMHA regions, corporate partners, and health regions is especially unique and is a big part of what made the campaign successful. Other agencies may benefit from our experience in conducting this campaign; therefore, a template of how the campaign was built and conducted is included on this website. Please feel free to use the information, but please cite the template and CMHA if you are publishing or presenting it in whole or in part. 
My Mental Health Campaign Template - may take a few moments to download.