Mental Health Week reminds Canadians to show compassion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Week reminds Canadians to show compassion

CMHA releases new data on compassion for Mental Health Week, May 6 – 12, 2024

Sudbury, Ontario, May 6, 2024 – Canadians are often recognized globally for their compassion and kindness; however, new data may suggest otherwise. A recent study by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) found that while 98% of Canadians claim to be compassionate, only 38% have taken active steps to alleviate hardship in the past year. 

Compassion, defined as the practice of meeting suffering – whether our own or that of others – with kindness,[1]is often confused with empathy. While empathy involves sensing, feeling, and understanding of another’s experience, compassion goes beyond empathy into the realm of taking action.

“Compassion is the emotional response to the struggles of others combined with a real, authentic desire to help lessen their suffering and respond with care,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA. “With so much hardship going on in the world, compassion is needed now more than ever.” 

The survey conducted by Maru Public Opinion found that although 75% of Ontarians say that when they see someone struggling they feel compelled to help, 58% admit feeling overwhelmed by the issues and unsure where to begin.

“We’re seeing a lot of people wanting to be more compassionate, but not knowing how. The good news is that compassion is part of our human nature and can be learned and practiced,” explains Eaton. “In fact, giving compassion, receiving compassion, and allowing ourselves to experience self-compassion are all very beneficial to our mental health.”

Demonstrating compassion through caring actions and kindness can positively impact mood and help alleviate feelings of depression.[2] This is because the act of “giving compassion” is closely connected to the release of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone. Research also suggests that compassion is contagious.[3] Experiencing acts of compassion can encourage people to show compassion too, creating a domino effect.

“This Mental Health Week, we also recognize the acts of compassion our community mental health workers across the country offer day in, day out – providing services like mobile mental health crisis response, harm reduction services, housing, and so much more to millions of Canadians,” continues Eaton.  

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s annual Mental Health Week is a social change campaign to shift attitudes and perceptions about mental health.

“Every one of us experiences mental health, and we all benefit from both the giving and receiving of compassion”, says Stephanie Lefebvre, Director, Programs and Planning, CMHA – Sudbury/Manitoulin.  “In our celebration of Mental Health Week we make time to acknowledge the factors that contribute to our mental well-being, and focus on tangible ways that we can make a difference.”

The release of this data coincides with CMHA’s 73^rd Mental Health Week (May 6-12). This year’s theme “Healing through Compassion” explores how compassion connects us all. To learn more and get involved, visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca.

About CMHA – Sudbury/Manitoulin

The Canadian Mental Health Association-Sudbury/Manitoulin was established in 1984 and is a not-for-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors.

The branch is mandated to provide services to individuals with mental health issues or a diagnosis of a mental illness (though it is not required) within the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. Our purpose is to support healthy people and communities through advocacy and the provision of safe, inclusive, and accessible mental health and substance use services.

About the Survey

This Maru Public Opinion study commissioned by the Canadian Mental Health Association is from a survey conducted April 4-5, 2024, among a random selection of 1,507 Canadian adults who are Maru Voice Canada online panelists. The results have been weighted by education, age, gender, and region (and, in Quebec, language) to match the population according to Census data which ensures the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Canada. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

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[1] Neff, K. (2020, July 9). What is self-compassion?. Self-compassion. https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/

[2] Leaviss J, Uttley L. Psychotherapeutic benefits of compassion-focused therapy: an early systematic review. Psychological Medicine. 2015;45(5):927-945. doi:10.1017/S0033291714002141

[3] https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/well-being/compassion-benefits