Viva Vitality: Simple connections build stronger communities

By Taneil Zanidean on May 3, 2019.

In today’s world, people face a number of issues that have an impact on their individual mental health and the well-being of their communities. Those issues might take the form of poverty, substance use, environmental issues, or public health, but fortunately, there is a way to overcome these challenges and build community resiliency.

Resiliency is the capacity of each of us to bounce back, or even spring forward, from adversity. One way to build resiliency is through caring and supportive relationships with others. Human beings are social beings and as such we thrive on the connections we make with others. When we make a connection with an infant or young child, we are helping to develop healthy brains. When we make a connection with our colleagues, we are more effective in our work. When we make a connection with our neighbours, we make our neighbourhoods safe and healthy places to live. When we make a connection with our friends and family, we nurture resilience and thrive. Building resiliency within a community means that we must strengthen the capacity of each community member to connect with others.

How we make these connections can sometimes feel like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be; it can be the simple connections on a regular basis that lead to a stronger community.

Start building simple connections within your community by joining us at the sixth annual Move for Mental Health Fun Walk/Run on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. This 2 km and 4 km run through Kin Coulee Park is open to individuals and teams who wish to join us for a fun day of activity (runs will NOT be timed). Registration is free! Live music by Mahoney! Family Self-Care Fair! Family Fun Zone with games and bounce houses! Cool prizes! Please register via Eventbrite at eventbrite.ca/e/move-for-mental-health-runwalk-fun-fest-2019-tickets-54930342132

In addition to the fun walk/run, look forward to the launch of the Simple Connections Stronger Communities toolkit, which explores the importance of connecting with others as a way to build resilience, prevent substance use and abuse, and promote positive mental health. This toolkit also provides tips for making simple connections with others.

Taneil Zanidean is an addictions counsellor with AHS Addiction and Mental Health. She can be reached by email at Taneil.Zanidean@albertahealthservices.ca.

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