JASON SETNYK
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Champlain East hosted its annual Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) youth event on October 8 at Aultsville Theatre, bringing together over 500 students from eight area schools for a day of empowerment, learning, and connection.
Presented under the banner Mental Health Unplugged, the event tackled tough conversations around youth mental health through education, storytelling, and community engagement. Funded by the City of Cornwall’s Municipal Grant Program, the event featured booths from local health agencies, interactive games, a live DJ, and free transportation and lunch.
“This event is about showing young people that their mental health matters, that help is available, and that they are never alone,” said Chantal Tessier, Program Manager of Education and Volunteers at CMHA Champlain East. “Reducing stigma is key to encouraging early intervention-just like with physical illness, better outcomes happen when mental illness is treated early.”
The highlight of the event was a keynote address from Mercy, a McGill University student and trained Jack.org speaker, who shared her personal journey. “Having mental health struggles is normal,” said Mercy. “We’ve normalized getting physically sick or injured-but not the same with mental health, even though it works similarly. The focus shouldn’t be on shame, but on how we can help people heal.”
Mercy, who got involved with Jack.org in high school, said this was the largest crowd she’s ever addressed. “It was crazy to stand in front of so many youth and speak openly about something so personal,” she added.
Participating schools included CCVS, St. Francis, Holy Trinity, Tagwi, St. Lawrence, St. Matthew’s, La Citadelle, and St. Thomas. The event aligns with national efforts led by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health to raise awareness and promote compassion across the country.
For many, Mental Health Unplugged was more than a field trip-it was a life-affirming reminder that it’s okay to speak up and ask for help.
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