About Us

Alberta’s teachers are concerned about the well-being of children and youth, and understand that to educate children properly, their physical and mental health needs must be met. That’s why the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are partnering to promote the mental health of children and youth.

The “Healthy Minds, Bright Futures” program aims to increase awareness of the mental health needs of children and to decrease the stigmatization often associated with mental illness.

2012 Can We Talk Conference

Presenters wanted for Can We Talk? youth mental wellness conference

The Alberta Teachers' Association and the Society for Safe & Caring Schools & Communities are seeking presenters for a one-day conference on youth and mental wellness.

Can We Talk?—Communities and Teachers Supporting Mental Wellness will take place May 7, 2012 at the Lethbridge Lodge. Presenters are needed to deliver conference breakout sessions.

If your organization is interested in this volunteer opportunity to share its knowledge and experience in the area of youth and mental wellness, please complete and submit a presenter proposal form.

Myths about mental illness

MYTH: Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness.
Reality: A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is an illness that has nothing to do with being weak or lacking willpower. Although people with mental illnesses can play a big part in their own recovery, they did not choose to become ill, and they are not lazy because they cannot just “snap out of it.”

MYTH: If I seek help for a mental health issue, others might think I’m a wimp or even crazy.
Reality: Seeking appropriate help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should delay getting treatment for a mental health problem that is not getting better, just as one would not wait to take care of a medical condition that needed treatment. The wisest, most courageous way to cope is to seek help, especially since early treatment can produce more positive results.