It’s Ok Not To Be Ok.

Mental Illness Isn’t Real by Wali Shah

We partnered with Wali Shah, Canadian poet, Youth Activist, Philanthropist and Wellness Influencer for World Mental Health Day. For this video, Wali created “Mental Illness Isn’t Real” to showcase the importance of mental health. By using reverse poetry, Wali uses his art and creativity by challenging us to have tough conversations about mental illness. Watch, listen and share this video. Thank you Wali Shah for creating “Mental Illness Isn’t Real” in support of the Henry’s Foundation and World Mental Health Day 2022.

Henry’s Foundation Resources

We have compiled stories, articles and resources from our partners so you can keep up to date on the latest information about mental health initiatives, services and research in Canada.

From coast to coast, our partners are spearheading forward-thinking and impactful initiatives to remove the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Check back often for updates.

Henry's Foundation - Mental Health Minute

I’m a CEO and I Have Bipolar Disorder: It’s Time to Share My Story

Why did we decide to support mental health? Lots of reasons. But the big one is that it hits close to home: we have mental illness in our family. Our immediate family.
But it’s not something we’ve talked about publicly. It’s not a secret, but we’ve kept it quiet. Now we’re telling our story loud and clear to show others struggling with their mental health that we are not letting these challenges define us.

CEO of iconic Canadian retail chain opens up about being bipolar

Gillian Stein, CEO Henry’s and Henry’s Foundation Board Member shares her story with the Financial Post Magazine about her journey living with BiPolar Disorder in what we believe is a first for a CEO in Canada. Thank you to Gillian for showing others that by sharing her story they can lead fulfilling lives by knowing that they are not alone and continuing to remove the stigma of talking about mental illness openly. We’re so proud of her bravery in sharing one of her #Uncapturedmoments in hopes that others will do the same

Understanding your Window of Tolerance

Since the start of the pandemic, having a routine and feeling connected to others has been more difficult than ever, especially for young people. From adapting to changing health guidelines to adjusting to different ways of learning, it’s OK if your mental health is feeling challenged in new and different ways.

Mental illness associated with poor sleep quality according to largest study of its kind

CAMH study the first to objectively measure sleep patterns on a large scale in people with mental illness compared to the general population.

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Pink Shirt Day: Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Tomorrow is Pink Shirt Day – a day dedicated to treating everyone with respect and dignity. With 1 in 3 youths in Canada bullied, we asked Maxine, a member of the National Youth Council at Kids Help Phone – What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who is experiencing bullying?

Global Heroes Magazine Feature

If there’s ever been a time when it’s ok to not be ok, the time is now. We’re all dealing with various levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. It’s time to shine a spotlight on mental health and to actively get involved in ways to support mental wellness. Check out our full feature article on pages 74-75 in the Global Heroes Magazine.

Supporter: Global Heroes

What is bullying?

Some people may call it harassment, abuse, meanness or drama. However bullying is labelled, it’s always considered to be harmful and unwanted behavior. Bullying is done on purpose and is usually repeated.

Partner: Kids Help Phone

How to help a friend who’s experiencing bullying?

Finding out your friend is experiencing bullying is never easy. You may feel sad, scared or even angry about what your friend is going through. Even if you feel helpless, remember there are things you can do to help.

Partner: Kids Help Phone

CAMH & Bullying Does not end after school...or does it?

Many of us have experiences with bullying. Whether we’ve been bullied or have bullied another person, most of us convince ourselves that it ends after we get our high school diploma. The past is behind us – but is it really?

Partner: CAMH

Mental Health 101: Jack.org Virtual Talks

Jack.org is a charity that trains and empowers young leaders who are revolutionizing mental health. They are working towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other.

Partner: Jack.org

Funded Programs

We invest donor dollars in mental health & addiction programs that promote healing, skill-development, mental health literacy, and peer support. Our funding helps Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction, and their loved ones, recover and reclaim their lives in treatment and during recovery in their own communities.

Partner: Mental Health Foundation of NS

Not suicide. Not today.

When we all say Not Today together, it’s easier to say it when we’re alone. This is a pledge—a promise—to do everything we can to prevent suicide and stop mental illness from destroying lives. Stories of strength and resilience in the face of adversity—a reminder that no one has to die by suicide. Not today.

Partner: CAMH

Asante said Not Today.

Asante Haughton agreed to volunteer for CAMH’s Not suicide. Not today. campaign for one reason and one reason only. “I am doing this so I can be a voice for people who look like me.” Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto by a single mother, whatever the normal arc of his childhood would have been was derailed.

Partner: CAMH

COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub

COVID-19 has, and will, impact the mental health of people everywhere. Kids Help Phone has seen an unprecedented surge of young people feeling more stressed than usual reaching out during this global pandemic. Finding accurate information and appropriate resources can be hard.

Partner: Jack.org

Be There for those you love

Being there for someone is an art, not a science. There’s no formula or instruction manual because every situation is different. Be There Basics will help you learn how to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and gives you 5 Golden Rules to help you support and be there for them.

Partner: Jack.org