Over $14.9 million has been raised for charitable causes by runners through our RUN4HOPE program. Learn more and become a charity runner here.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION: CREATING A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Children, Youth and Depression
While we may think of low mood or other challenges as adult problems, they can affect people at any age. Children and teens can experience mental illnesses like depression. Sometimes it can be difficult for adults to understand how difficult children’s problems can be because we look at their problems through adult eyes. But the pressures of growing up can be very hard for some children. It’s important that we remind ourselves that while children’s problems may seem unimportant to us, they can feel overwhelming to young people. It’s important to take depression in young people seriously…
Depression often starts between the ages of 15 and 30, but it can affect anyone – even teens and younger children. Depression is very treatable. Children, teens and adults can all recover from depression. For children and teens in particular, early treatment is important so they can get back to their education and other goals as quickly as possible.
Pandemonium is one of the Canadian Mental Health Association Child and Youth Programs. It supports youth who have serious mental health concerns and many are unable to attend regular schools. This recreation-based program empowers youth to reintegrate back into the community and provides activities that allow participants to meet – and overcome – personal challenges in a supportive way. It offers experience in building friendships and encourages the development of peer social networks that reduce the isolation often felt by youth who are living with mental health problems.
Thanks to the BMO Vancouver Marathon RUN4HOPE program, runners supporting Canadian Mental Health Association help our organization to raise funds to continue with our Child and Youth programs. Your donations can help children and youth build resiliency, confidence, social skill development, and feel a sense of connection with other peers.
“I just love everything about the group – the people, activities, the leaders. I hope it never ends,” shares one of the participants in the Pandemonium group.
Please join our team as one of the Canadian Mental Health Association runners. Visit our website or contact us at [email protected] or 604.872.4902 x237 for more information.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association
Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one of Canada’s most established national mental health charities. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA helps people access the community resources they need to build resilience and support recovery from mental illness or addiction. We do this by building capacity, influencing policy, providing services and developing resources.
Run & Fundraise. Make a Donation.
About RUN4HOPE
RUN4HOPE is the charity program for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, with goals to raise funds for social impact and community good, plus foster a spirit of community celebration. The program provides value to charities, and charitable options for participants, enabling runners to fundraise and/or donate to charities. Run and give! The event’s RUN4HOPE program has helped runners raise more than $14.9 million for charity and community good.