In communities across this country, mental health organizations, community groups, caring companies and concerned employees and volunteers are organizing local walks, runs, rides and other events to raise awareness about depression and other mood disorders and help reduce the stigma that is unfairly associated with a mental illness. This campaign will also raise funds to assist local non-profit mental health organizations deliver services and supports. The Objectives of the Defeat Depression Campaign are to:
- Raise awareness, acceptance and understanding of mental illnesses
- Raise funds to support local mental health organizations provide services for individuals living with mental illness and their families
- Develop and share resources and supports
- Build a larger mental health network of communities
- Develop increased coordination between communities to defeat depression
- Grow the campaign to new communities
- Reduce stigma and create an environment that encourages people to come forward for early intervention and treatment
Open to Everyone: The Defeat Depression team was thrilled with the overwhelming response to the first pan-Canadian Campaign, and we encourage Canadians to participate again in 2013.
