Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the world including Canadians have experienced a dramatic increase in mental health challenges. Depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are all on the rise, and frontline mental health workers are experiencing a significant increase in cases of PTSD. Local mental health resources are more important than ever.

The Defeat Depression campaign is a national fundraising campaign provided by Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) in partnerships with many mental health organizations and services nationally. Twenty-twenty-one marks the tenth anniversary of the campaign. Every year, thousands sign-up for fundraising walks, runs and other events which allow individuals and organizations to raise funds in support of mental health programs and services. The campaign has grown into a national social movement bringing much-needed funds to support mental health nationwide and help raise awareness of mental health.

This year again, due to COVID-19, instead of our usual walks and runs, we are holding Virtual Defeat Depression events. This means that participants can choose a physical activity to complete on their own between now and May 29, 2021, allowing for physical distancing. For example, they could choose to walk around their block, run on a treadmill, ride a bike or take a stroll on a trail – allowing participants to safely still take part in the campaign while raising funds that support their local mental health services.  These funds are so desperately needed this year as Canadians are now facing even greater mental health issues associated with the stress and anxiety brought on by COVID-19. Please find more information here:  www.defeatdepression.ca

On May 29, 2021, Defeat Depression Day, we will be hosting a national Defeat Depression live-streaming broadcast. This one-hour event will feature various organization profiles and their efforts, special guest presenters, Lived Experience testimonials, and special performers and music. The event will start at 11:00 am eastern and will be accessible online for everyone to join, using this link:  www.defeatdepression.ca/defeat-depression-day

We are all experiencing this challenging time in our lives together. The tenth anniversary of the national Defeat Depression Day webcast is an opportunity for all of us to come together and share our solidarity while supporting mental health.  Please join us for our live stream event, participate in a physical activity and/or donate.