The Canadian Mental Health Association is preparing for this years Mental Health Week taking place from May 5th to 11th. Program director at the CMHA Weyburn Branch, Tasha Collins says this is the 74th annual Mental Health Week campaign and follows the theme ‘Unmasking Mental Health”.
“We're aiming to raise awareness about the significant impact that masking can have on mental health relationships as well as well-being. And they talk about masking as being when we hide and suppress our emotions, our personality traits, behaviours, or even symptoms from others.”
Collins continues saying masking can lead to isolation, disconnection, and loss of self-identity, sometimes stopping people from getting the help they need. Unmasking, this years focus, helps people form deeper connections, boosts self-esteem, and promotes healing, acceptance, and getting help.
“By unmasking our own struggles, we're giving permission for others to do the same. So we're certainly encouraging people to unmask about the truths of mental health while breaking down those barriers, challenging stigma, and supporting and having supportive conversations.”
The lineup of events for this year’s Mental Health Week begins with a call to action. Weyburn residents will be sent an awareness hanger to be hung on doors, windows, or any visible place. Over 4500 will be distributed through the May 1 issue of Weyburn This Week.
“Then on the back of that has a list of resources as well as a QR code that a person could scan if they or somebody they knew needed some support or resources with their health, with their mental health.”
The week kicks off with their Mayors Luncheon on May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McKenna Hall. It will feature guest speaker Brad Siroski, sharing his story of overcoming mental health struggles, addictions, and cancer. Tickets are available at CMHA Weyburn or Barber Motors for $25, tables of eight are available.
Then on May 7th and 8th CMHA Weyburn is partnering with Blue Earth Environmental for their annual used book sale. They will be in front of the store from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with all purchases by donation.
“All donations received that day come back to our center and are put towards the programs and services as well as the mental health initiatives that we offer through our branch. And so certainly we encourage the community to come down and support us there. Even if it's just to come down to have a conversation, we're available there.”
A self-care workshop will be held on May 7th as well from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will include a discussion about the myths and facts associated with self-care and the difference between mental health and mental illness.
“Everybody will leave with a self-soothing kit built on the five senses. So our taste, our smell, our sight, our hearing, and touch.”
The event is free to attend however people are asked to register ahead of time by emailing Collins at tashac@cmhask.com.
The community is invited to participate in this year's Mental Health Week. More information can be found through the email address above or the CMHA Facebook page.