Canada is known for being a caring, sympathetic nation. Its national healthcare system, genuine politicians and collaborative citizens are all invested in the welfare of the average person. So it’s not surprising that the maple leaf nation puts mental health at the top of its priority list.

Here are 3 of the top mental health organizations in Canada:

1) Canadian Mental Health Association

Mental health is the study and care of psychological illness. Few institutions are as seasoned as the Canadian Mental Health Association. For almost 100 years, CMHA has combated mental health with its talented doctors, advanced research projects and informative newsletters.

Over 100,000 Canadians owe their emotional happiness to CMHA. The association is comprised of thousands of volunteers who use education, advocacy and awareness to change lives.

CMHA can be found in Ottawa, Ontario.

2) Canadian Psychiatric Association

Mental health is not like physical health. If you have a broken arm or asthma, the symptoms are obvious and the repercussions are quickly apparent. Mental health, however, can go undiagnosed for years, even an entire lifetime. Sufferers are brushed off as “different” or “not like us.”

The Canadian Psychiatric Association understands this dilemma. Mental health is a phantom problem that passes undetected through many medical fields. CPA wants to stop this. They create effective, information-based solutions for people whose emotional wellbeing is in jeopardy.

CPA is a voluntary association that was founded in the 1950s. In that half-decade, they have devoted themselves to the enhancement of families and individuals around the country. CPA is made up of over 4,000 trained, caring psychiatrists.

They are located in Ottawa, Ontario.

3) Mood Disorder Society of Canada

Many people in need of mental health “fall through the cracks.” Like with a physical wound, society just assumes mental abnormalities will be “taken care of.” But mental health doesn’t work that way. The Mood Disorder Society of Canada wants to close those cracks.

For 10 years, MDSC has had one vision: unity. The field of mental health has traditionally been a scattered, confused collection of individuals who want to contribute to the cause, but don’t know how.

MDSC has gathered those minds and deposited them into one location. Together, they are able to provide the best service to people with mood disorders, an affliction that affects over 20% of the world’s population.

MDSC calls Guelph, Ontario home.

Mental health impacts everyone. Family members, coworkers and neighbors all experience the ramifications. These 3 Canadian organizations are dedicated to softening the blow.