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As May comes to a close, one Winnipeg non-profit is hoping to continue the conversation about Mental Health Awareness.
"Peer Connections MB is a peer support organization providing support to any Manitoban with a mental health concern or a substance use issue," says Julia Hoeppner, the Executive Director of Peer Connections MB. "We offer several options for service, the first being peer support. Which is people connecting over shared experiences."
The non-profit works to connect people who are struggling with mental health and illness, whether it's with themselves or caring for a family member. One of the options is a family peer support group.
"We know that when you have someone in your family or friend group that's struggling, everyone rallies around them," says Monique Levesque-Pharoah, the Director of Development at Peer Connections MB. "It's similar to flying in a plane when they say, 'Put your own mask on first.' In that mental health space, all too often, people forget to put that mask on. What happens is, they experience 70 per cent more stress as a result of supporting a loved one. Our family peer support is making sure, what do those family members need?"
All the staff within the organization have some sort of lived experience with mental health and illness, or supporting someone who struggles with it.
"You're not alone," says Hoeppner. "It's one of the most important messages, that none of us are alone. We all have a story, we all have a journey, and I hope [someone struggling] would feel welcome to come to a service like ours where there's no cost and no judgement."
Deep Understanding
Hoeppner can relate to people who are supporting a loved one in their home who is battling mental health disorders or illnesses.
"I came into this work having my own family member experience and just trying to understand and really help myself. I wondered, 'Where do I find help? Where do I talk to somebody about the journey that I'm on? Recognizing that my journey is different than my loved one. I became an outreach worker over 20 years ago."
For anyone interested in finding out more about the support groups and what Peer Connections MB offers, they can call 204-786-1616, or check out their website.
"There is such relief experiencing empathy from another person," says Hoeppner. "Please feel welcome to come and experience that relief with us."