FAQ
Questions about mental Health and Mental Illness
History of CMHA
The Canadian Mental Health Association, founded in 1918 and federally incorporated in 1926, is a national charitable organization dedicated to further the growth of mental health services across Canada.
Today, across Canada, thousands of staff, members and volunteers provide countless hours of support to the activities and programs of the Association by providing direct services to those in need and their families, informing the general public, promoting mental well-being for all ages, and keeping mental health concerns high on the government agenda.
What is Mental Illness?
What is a mental illness? It’s one of Canada’s leading public health problems. Anyone can develop a mental illness; age, race and religion have no bearing. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to admit that they have a mental illness for fear of rejection and isolation due to the stigma that accompanies the illness. Although false, some people think that someone with a mental illness has a weak character or is potentially dangerous. In most cases, mental illness only becomes visible when someone is in crisis. Even so, what others may notice are the side effects from medication, rather than the symptoms of the illness. Many people have little or no apparent symptoms or side effects, which means that most people are not aware of how many mentally ill people they know and encounter daily.
These are the facts:
- 1 in 4 Canadians will experience some form of mental illness
- 1 in 8 Canadians will develop a mental illness serious enough to require professional care
- Almost half of those admitted to psychiatric hospitals leave in less than a month, often simply needing to stabilize medication
Mental illness includes a broad range of psychological or behavioural symptoms that reduce an individual’s capacity to cope with daily life. For example, a person may lose contact with himself, her emotions may be uncontrolled, or his behaviour inappropriate, or she might lose the ability to communicate effectively with other people. There is no particular way to develop a mental illness. For some it might result from a chemical imbalance in the brain; for others, it might be from the amount of stress in their lives. Patterns of communication they develop within their families may also contribute to its development. With others, poverty and poor housing, the number of close friends and family they have to support them through difficulty and the level of self-esteem, may have a bearing on whether or not mental illness develops.
However, there is good news. Mental Illness is treatable. Research and education have contributed to many programs, treatments and services which enable many people to get better and live full, productive lives.
Medication is one part of the treatment and recovery plan and with many other supports (i.e. counselling, education and information, housing and employment supports and any number of other supports), individuals with mental illness can continue to live productive lives.
When individuals with mental illness need help to navigate the mental health care system, the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office can provide assistance and direction.
What does the Emerging Into Light Logo signify?
Emerging Into Light focuses on inclusion of people who have mental illness as part of our community. Rather than focus on the implied negative message, of "anti-stigma", people who have been affected by mental disorders are encouraged to share and celebrate their stories and struggles. The Emerging into Light symbol speaks to the public about recovery and resilience. We are united behind a symbol that says our struggle is important, far from over and needs to be publicly recognized.
The image is the original artwork of Jennifer Osborn, a consumer and young woman of considerable artistic talent. She has recently returned to work after a period of recurrent illness. Jennifer created this image for us, as a donation, because she wanted to share her story through art. Jennifer worked closely with our design firm to create an image that would be distinct, simple and convey the dignity of our ongoing battle against mental illness.
The symbol is larger than any one organization. It has become a personal badge of pride for people who truly care about mental health and illness issues. By adopting the Emerging into Light symbol, we are bringing mental illness out of the dark ages and into our community. We are no longer hiding.
In July, 2000, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Health formally endorsed the symbol and agreed to act as custodian of the image. CMHA is proud to collaborate with the Canadian Psychiatric Association, the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, the National Network for Mental Health and the Schizophrenia Society of Canada in the acceptance of this personal symbol of resilience and recovery.
What is the significance of the fanciful person?
This image of a healthy, vibrant figure symbolizes the role of physical and mental health in the development of the whole person. The logo’s four triangles represent CMHA’s four areas of activity: community service, social action, public education, and research.
How can I make a donation to CMHA/Halton?
Donations help support the organization and assist us in offering more services to those affected by mental illness. Download a form 
that can assist you in donating to us or click on the link to the Canada Helps website below. Thank you
