Counsellors kick off Mental Illness Awareness Week

By Jeremy Appel on October 2, 2018.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

Alberta Health Services kicked off Mental Illness Awareness Week at Zucchini Blossom Market & Cafe on Monday, with two counsellors there to listen and let people suffering know they’re supported.

Michelle Sauve, a tobacco reduction counsellor with AHS, says the week “is intended to shine a spotlight on the fact that many Canadians will be impacted by mental illness.”

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, half the population will have had experience with mental illness by age 40.

Every year, one in five Canadians experience a mental health problem, according to the same data.

“It’s really just helping to normalize mental illness and help Canadians to understand that this is not something to be stigmatized,” Sauve said of the week.

“We want to break down barriers and encourage people to have conversations.”

AHS chose a cafe to kick off the week because it’s a location conducive toward conversation, she added.

Jacqueline Hodsgon, an AHS addictions counsellor, says people suffering from mental illness must know they’re not alone.

“Knowing that there’s an event like this, where they can get some fresh air, come have a nice coffee and maybe meet some people that have had similar experience, it’s a good way to get them out of their homes,” said Hodgson.

“We know that social interaction can be really helpful for their healing.”

It’s vital to confront the myths surrounding mental illness, such as the belief it could never happen to you, said Sauve.

“It’s one of those hidden illnesses,” she said. “Unlike a broken arm or another visible illness, one in five Canadians are impacted by mental illness.

“In this cafe right now, there’s probably 20 of us, so that would mean there are (about four) people here impacted by mental illness.”

Mental Illness Awareness Week continues this afternoon at Redcliff Bakery, Wednesday at Medicine Hat College and the hospital, as well as Thursday at Monsignor McCoy High School.

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