Mental Health Week
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May 4th to 10th, 2026, is Mental Health Week, organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
The purpose of Mental Health Week is to raise awareness of the importance of prioritizing mental health in our communities. This year’s theme is “Come Together, Canada.” Coming together means building social connections, both personal and through our community, to strengthen our mental health. When we are lonely our risk of having poor mental health significantly increases.
Loneliness in Canada
As reported by CMHA, 13% of Canadians ages 15 and older, feel lonely sometimes or always. That number for youth is higher at 17%. When compounded by other factors such as age, economic status, social barriers, physical and mental health disabilities, the rate of loneliness grows and so does poor mental health.1 Check out CMHA’s Mental Health Week page to learn more facts and learn how they recommend building connection this week.
2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health
In Canada, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community reports much higher rates of mental health-related issues compared to non-2SLGBTQIA+ people. Statistics Canada says that three in ten 2SLGBTQ+ people report their mental health to be fair or poor compared to 1 in 10 people outside of the community.2 Egale reports higher than that, claiming "82% of 2SLGBTQI individuals frequently feel anxious, and 71% experience depression or hopelessness."3
Building Connections and Getting Help
Join queer community through QMUNITY’s programs offering peer groups, youth programs, and older adults programs.
CMHA offers multiple free wellness programs to help build resiliency and improve mental health conditions for youth and adults.
Foundry offers free and confidential mental health and wellness services for youth ages 12-24 in British Columbia and their families.
In Crisis?
Click here to view crisis support and contacts if you or someone you know is in need of immediate support.
CMHA, 2026-Factsheet-Fast-Facts-on-Loneliness.
https://cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CMHA-MHW-2026-Factsheet-Fast-Facts-on-Loneliness.pdf
Statistics Canada, Facts, stats and impact: 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Egale, Healthcare and Mental Health.
