The Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) annual Mental Health Week is May 4-10, 2020. Every May, people in Canadian communities, schools, workplaces and legislatures rally around CMHA Mental Health Week.
The City of Morden has marked Mental Health Week for the last 3 years, and it will be observed this year as well. Past presenters have included Kevin Rempel (Sochi Paralympian Bronze medalist for Sledge Hockey) and Sonya Funk (Nutrition Therapist with the Whole Avocado). The event for 2020 was meant to be held in person at the Access Event Centre but has moved online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is social connection. Connecting with other people and our communities doesn’t just feel good. It is good for our mental health. It’s common in our society to ask people how they are. Unfortunately, it is also common not to provide—or expect—a truthful answer.
Two events have been scheduled, Mental Health Week Talks on Tuesday May 5, 3pm-8:15pm and a Mental Health Week Concert, Friday May 8, 7pm.
The Talk event will be streamed live to City of Morden Facebook page with the opportunity to join at any time and to ask questions by commenting or sending an email to mentalhealthweek@mymorden.ca. The videos will continue to be available after the event.
A variety of presentations will be offered by local professionals dedicated to mental health. The schedule is listed below:
3:00-3:45 pm - Why We Need Our Unpleasant Emotions to Emotionally Thrive
Terry Warburton - Recovery of Hope
3:45- 4:30 pm - Critical Role of True Play (for everyone) for Emotional Wellness
Terry Warburton - Recovery of Hope
4:30-5:15 pm - Building Social Connections & Combating Loneliness
Alesha Hildebrand and Diana Suderman - Regional Connections
5:15 - 6:00 pm - Good Food for a Good Mood
Kathryn Penner - BTHC Registered Dietitian
6:00-6:45 pm - Coaching for Confidence: Kids & Anxiety
Charity Hudson - Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba
6:45-7:30 pm - Sleep Strategies
Dr. Lisa - Apothecary of Morden
7:30-8:15 pm - How to Conquer Stress and Build Resilience
Louise Sanders - The Stress Experts
The expo that would have included displays by many organizations will not be happening, however, the information will be compiled into a document available at mymorden.ca/events and will include information, brochures and contacts from area resources.
The second event that is being offered is a Mental Health Week Concert. Local area musicians Patrick Simoens and Paul Bergman will share music that helps us to #GetReal about how we really feel. The music will be a mix of their own music together with covers of songs that reflect an honest grappling with the struggles and joys of being alive in this world. The event will be livestreamed through City of Morden Facebook page. Anyone with an internet connection and web browser can watch these events through the links that will be posted at mymorden.ca/events.
Stephanie Dueck, Recreation Programmer for City of Morden challenges us not only to virtually attend these events, but to Get Real, “This Mental Health Week, let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have real conversations with our friends, neighbours and coworkers about how we’re all really doing. We are in this together. It is time to #GetReal about how we feel and lean on others for support, whether it be through phone calls, video calls or through a window. We don’t have to be close to feel close. Please join us for these events and share the information with your friends, family, coworkers and employers.”
These events have been made possible by generous sponsors: Southern Health- Healthy Living Together Grant, Eden Health Care Services & Foundation and City of Morden.
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