Maple Leafs to host Mental Health Awareness Night

TORONTO --The Toronto Maple Leafs are doing their part to raise awareness of mental health issues through their sixth annual Hockey Talks Mental Health Awareness Night, set for Monday, when the Maple Leafs host the Colorado Avalanche at Air Canada Centre (7 p.m. ET; TVA Sports, SNO, ALT2, NHL.TV).
"It's an issue that's touched close to me," Maple Leafs forward Connor Brown said. "I know some people who have been affected by mental health struggles and it really is a big issue in society today that needs to be addressed.

Once again, the Maple Leafs will join forces with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education and policy development to help people afflicted by mental health and addiction issues.
Brown said he has noticed the conversation to bring awareness to mental health is making a difference.
"Absolutely, I think so," he said. "Just starting a conversation has done so much in terms of acceptance and making sure people know that they're not a burden if they come forward. It's something I really believe in."
The goal is ultimately to get to a point where seeking treatment for mental health is perceived the same way as getting treatment for a broken leg or any other illness or injury. Brown said it starts with knowing there is always someone who will care and listen.
"It's important to have your outlets," Brown said. "Everyone needs to have somebody they can talk to, whether it's a therapist, mom, dad, girlfriend or boyfriend. It's important to be able to know that you have someone who cares about you and to be able to talk about issues. Just that acceptance of being able to talk and knowing you're not a burden and being able to ask for help, that's step one in getting better."