Since the campaign launched this morning, the hashtag #GETLOUD
has been trending on Twitter, with Canadians tweeting and sharing photos of
their activities across the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
released a statement on Mental Health Week, encouraging
Canadians to raise awareness for mental health. “Let us use our voices this week
to help change the way society views mental health issues and those living with
them. Now is the time to GET LOUD for mental health,” Trudeau said.
More than 60 landmarks and business across southern Ontario
will be lit green throughout the week to provide the public with significant
visual reminders that this is Mental Health Week.
Individuals are encouraged to take pictures of or selfies with
illuminated buildings and post them to social media using #GETLOUD, as in it’s
time to “get loud” and talk openly about mental health.
The Peace Bridge, Niagara Falls, CN
Tower and Casa Loma are among sites scheduled to go green. Other notable
locations include:
- City halls in Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton and Guelph
- Buildings on the campuses of the
University of Toronto (University College), Ryerson University (Image Arts Building)
- All divisions of the Hamilton Police Service and Halton
Regional Police Service
- Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Joseph Brant Hospital in
Burlington
- The 3D
Toronto sign at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square
- Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls
With one in five children, youth and adults affected by mental
health issues, CMHA Ontario and Children’s Mental Health Ontario use Mental
Health Week to call attention to the importance of good mental health and to the
role each of us has in supporting those with mental health challenges.
A goal of the week is to engage communities and individuals
across Ontario to increase understanding of mental health issues, end
descrimination and spread the message that help is available.
“This week in particular, we ask everyone to consider their
mental health just as they do their physical health,” said Camille Quenneville,
CEO of CMHA Ontario. “Good mental health isn’t about avoiding problems or trying
to achieve a perfect life. It’s about living well and feeling capable despite
challenges.”