Every year since 1951, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has dedicated the first week of May to Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is social connection. 

Although we should be physically distancing ourselves from others right now to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID-19), it doesn’t mean we should isolate ourselves from the other people in our lives. Social connection is a very important part of our mental health. The current pandemic has shown us that “we don’t have to be close to feel close.” We are working to shift our language during the pandemic from social distancing to physical distancing to emphasize this fact. 

The goal of mental health week is to shift how we think about mental health and to promote behaviours that encourage good mental health. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have unique needs and challenges that – when not met – can impact their mental health, and that of their friends and families. When we talk about mental health, we need to ensure that the voices of all Canadians are included in this conversation.

So, we’re celebrating mental health week by getting real about mental health and FASD. We will be posting one blog post every day this week that looks at FASD and mental health from a number of different perspectives. 

We want to hear from YOU! Send us an email at connect@canfasd.ca about how you’re feeling and you could be featured on our social channels. Help us raise awareness of mental health and FASD by getting real about how you feel. You can also share your stories on your own social media accounts using the hashtags #GetReal and #MentalHealth4FASD. 

Happy Mental Health Week!