In any given year, one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health or substance use challenge. Many of these people say that the stigma they encounter is worse than the problem itself.
Island Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use program is working to reduce stigma related to mental illness and substance use by bringing awareness to this issue during their first annual Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Day on Thursday May 7. The day will be recognized at an event held at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre Atrium from 10 am to 2 pm.
The event will be held during the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week (May 4 – 10) and the National Child and Youth Mental Health Day on May 7.
“We want to bring attention to the fact that mental illness and substance use affects all of us,” says Keva Glynn, Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Strategic and Tertiary Services for Island Health. “This awareness day reflects that there are no barriers; this could be you, it could be me, it could be any one of us.”
The theme of the event is mental wellness and creativity
The theme of the event is mental wellness and creativity and will include Victoria’s Poet Laureate Yvonne Blomer reading poems dedicated to raising awareness. There will also be live music, an art gallery and a poetry slam by youth as well as an opportunity to create art. “Creativity is such an important expression of who we are, how we see the world and how we live within it. We want to emphasize the role creativity plays in our overall sense of well-being,” says Glynn. “Creative expression through art, music, poetry, or any medium, is a courageous and vulnerable act. On May 7, we’re celebrating individuals’ authentic, creative voices and honouring the role it plays in recovery from mental health challenges.”
“We want to bring attention to the fact that mental illness and substance use affects all of us. This awareness day reflects that there are no barriers; this could be you, it could be me, it could be any one of us.” — Keva Glynn
In addition to the creative activities, there will be resource tables and breakout sessions featuring some of the programs and services available to those living with mental health or substance use challenges including family and caregivers. There will be representatives from community groups as well as Island Health programs to answer questions and provide information on how to access services. Demonstrations of BoosterBuddy, an app aimed at helping youth cope with mental health challenges will also be on hand.
Mental hlth & substance use wellness day May 7 @VanIslandHealth with Victoria's poet laureate http://t.co/uEuVmUnqMw pic.twitter.com/jlpqgM9aXq
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) April 30, 2015
“We encourage everyone in the community to come out and spend time enjoying the creative activities, listening to the music and poetry and learning about the resources available,” says Glynn. “Achieving and sustaining mental wellness is a lifelong process and for many it requires courage, resilience and patience on a daily basis. May 7 is an opportunity to learn more about the journey through the voices of poets, artists and musicians.”
South Island Media Inquiries
Suzanne Germain
Director, Communications
Phone: 250.370.8294
Email: suzanne.germain@viha.ca
