Mental Health Week 2009
CMHA on TV Cogeco (The Source)
Schedules and Topics

Topic: Invest in Yourself
(5:30pm, 6:00pm, 10:00pm, 10:30pm) Tuesday May 5, Wednesday May 6, Thursday May 7
(5:30pm, 6:00pm) Friday May 8

Topic: CMHA Programs and Services
(5:30pm, 6:00pm, 10:00pm, 10:30pm) Tuesday May 12, Wednesday May 13, Thursday May 14
(5:30pm, 6:00pm) Friday May 15

Topic: Mental Health in High Schools
(5:30pm, 6:00pm, 10:00pm, 10:30pm) Tuesday May 19, Wednesday May 20, Thursday May 21
(5:30pm, 6:00pm) Friday May 22

Topic: Myths and Realities of Mental Illness
(5:30pm, 6:00pm, 10:00pm, 10:30pm) Tuesday May 26, Wednesday May 27, Thursday May 28
(5:30pm, 6:00pm) Friday May 29

To see TV Cogeco’s complete schedule, click on the following link:
http://www.tvcogeco.com/portal/page/portal/cornwall/schedules

___________________________________________________________________

Press Release
National Mental Health Week
May 4 – 10, 2009


Now more than ever: Invest in Yourself

In surveys conducted by Desjardins Financial Security in recent years, Canadians have consistently said that their finances are the top cause of stress. You may be feeling the stress more than ever these days. The best way to manage stress is to invest in the things that matter the most.
Invest in Your Family: Pay attention to the mental health of those closest to you. Share a warm meal and some kind words. Listen to each other. Be honest and open with each other about the stress in your life. If you have children, discuss finances with them. Don’t scare the. Help them understand the household budget and how you plan to deal with the challenges.


Invest in Your Friends:

Reach out to your friends. In times of economic stress, sharing challenges with friends is healthy. They might have insights into your challenges. You might have insights into theirs. And remember to laugh, Friendships are built on laughter.


Invest in Your Community:

When you join or volunteer with community groups, clubs and organizations you feel a part of something bigger. You feel connected to a place and to a network of people. It’s a good way to build personal and collective resilience in difficult times.


Invest in Your Workplace:

While your workplace can be a source of stress it can also provide you with positive networks, good friends and professional contacts. Take the lead to open lines of communication. Build supportive relationships with all people in your workplace, including employees, employers and even clients. If you are an employer, be understanding and supportive about employees’ worries during the economic downturn.


Invest In Yourself:

Address the big things that are causing you stress. A professional perspective can help you cope better and turn things around.
Stress management is an important part of taking time for yourself. One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to take control of the situation. Take positive actions. However, if you are really feeling overwhelmed, get help. Don’t wait for your stress to become a crisis. There are many resources and professionals to help you manage your stress. Visit our Stress Management tips at www.cmha.ca to find out how.


For more information, or to set up an interview, please contact: Joanne Ledoux-Moshonas at 613-933-5845 ext. 223