Mental Health Month. Some Tips, Facts, and Interview. CMHA #GetLoud

Canada Has lots of supports for Mental Health Illnesses. I would say we are a leader in research, development, and breaking the stigma.

Although we have come a long way, we have much more to accomplish as years go by. 

 

One of the first to acknowledge mental health issues, is CMHA. Canadian Mental Health Association. Originally named the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene, it is the oldest of its kind in Canada.

Some Brief History: (According to Wikipedia)

The Canadian Mental Health Association began existence as the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene (CNCMH), founded by Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and Clifford W. Beers on January 26, 1918. Hincks was very interested in the field because he had experienced bouts of mental illness.
The Globe and Mail reported the group's formation under the headline: "$20,000 Secured for Institute: Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene Started in Mrs. Dunlap's Home."
A short historical note records the purposes and objectives of the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene, as tentatively described at that first meeting. They included:

1. War Work (a) Psychiatric examination of recruits. (b) Adequate care of returned soldiers suffering from mental disabilities.
2. Mental examination of immigrants (post-war) to ensure a better selection of newcomers.
3. Adequate facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of cases of mental disease.
4. Adequate care of the mentally deficient.
5. Prevention of mental disease and deficiency.

Hincks solicited friends and professionals to join the committee, with an emphasis on those in the medical profession. He already had the backing of C.K. Clarke, Dean of Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto; his persuasive address to the medical faculty of McGill won him its unanimous approval.
Hincks then established a Board of Directors. He asked 20 business and professional leaders to sit on the Board; 18 accepted. Among them were Lord Shaughnessy, President of the CPR; Richard B. Angus, Montreal financier and philanthropist; Dr. C.F. Martin, Professor of Medicine, McGill University; Sir Vincent Meredith, President, Bank of Montreal; and F.W. Molson, President of Molson's Brewery. Each agreed to pledge $1,000 a year for three years towards the expenses of the new organization.

What Is Included In NWT's Video Essay. 

We decided to do some on location research to see for our self's what the organization does in the communities it runs through.

We saw that they encouraged their clients (also called consumers by preference) to do art, follow their musical passions, and helped them experience live performances at their annual BBQ.

They also displayed a gallery of all of the artwork created at CMHA and let some choose to sell their pieces, and make their own income.

There was a lunch for $5, and I am sure the proceeds went to good use.

I only had debit, which wasn't accepted, so a lady near by offered to give me the 5 for lunch. How nice!

They also gave out pamphlets for specific Disorders, including depression, stress, bipolar, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and other topics.

I personally enjoyed the creativity put into the magnets and cards.

Interview with Greg Vecchiola:

 

 

We decided to Interview somebody that was attending the BBQ to share their experiences with mental health imbalances. He shared some pretty serious things he has seen.

Check out our educational video and help them with their mission. To dissolve stigma, and discrimination, to help people get the help they need, and to let people know, they are not alone.

It is not always as bad as we think

After watching this video, I hope people realize that with the right supports, tools, resources, and mindset, even someone with serious mental issues can succeed at their dreams, and offer something to the world.

I am sure we have all felt anxious, depressed, stress, or trouble focusing, but does that mean we are all Mentally disabled?

No. It is part of life to feel these feelings, and emotions are not inherently bad or negative.  It is what we do with our feeling that matters, and if we can use things like anxiousness to our advantage, and get things done despite the feeling, or use it as a sign to know when something is off, or to show us something about a person that makes us feel that way, and can learn to manage it, and get back on track quickly, then we are doing fine handling it on our own for now.

It is when peoples anxiety holds them back in life, and they avoid people, situations, or responsibilities because of it, that we know they need help. When your anxiety gets so bad, that you feel like you cannot get through another day, or you do not go to school, or work because of it. That is when it becomes a disability.

When you avoid doing something you want to do, or cannot talk to your own family member or spouse. When you have been through something traumatic, and it effects your personality, and stops you from being your best self, then you might need help.

If you let one event, or a mindset, or belief to throw you off track, when you get so overwhelmed, that you give up. This is what some people may experience. Most people do not see mental issues, until something brings them out. Whether it be an argument, an insult you received, getting sick or someone dying, getting fired, or losing your home, these are times that a healthy person may fall into stress, eating disorders, ADHD, addictions, depression, anxiety, or even feel suicidal.

It is really about learning to get back on track, and dealing with these issues, sop you can get back to being yourself again, and in these cases, medication may not be necessary, but talking to a councilor, and having a passion to lift you up, and take your mind off things, is what many people could benefit from. People who do not have a passion, or people who care, is more likely to turn to a substance because it gives you the lift, and the distraction you need.

I would also share that I have struggled with Stress, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Addictions in the past, they have taken years of my life away from me, but something amazing happened that I can now look back on. The darkest moments in my life, brought me the brightest people, events, and circumstances, that I needed to excel later in life.

Just like a seedling, that needs to push through the dirt to grow strong, and healthy, sometimes a dark, and disgusting experience, is just part of the growth process and the distant light, in that moment, that you envy, is there to get you to grow in the right direction. I have now found the light, and learned how to manage a life that works with those issues that are a part of me, not against them, and I have found a way to offer the world my unique wisdom. While at the same time, giving me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

There is nothing worse, than getting caught in a cycle that never seems to end. We can do this to our self's, by thinking negative thoughts, when we feel depressed, and allowing it to get in the way of taking care of our self's. When we think negative thoughts, we attract more negativity, and we lose confidence in our self's, creating a never ending cycle. When we stop taking care of our environment, our body, our goals, and passions, as well as our financial situation, it also get harder to pull our self's out of.

Just like when we have fear of something, we avoid the situation, bringing us more fear, and ultimately digging our self's a hole, that is harder to climb out of. So if you have anxiety holding you back, and you want to overcome it. I can say from experience, the only thing that we can do, to overcome this, is to face our fears, and do the thing that gives us anxiety. It will not feel like a fun thing to do, but it feels so worth it once we get over it, we realize that we were afraid of our self. The act itself was not all that bad, and you will finally feel good about the situation, shifting your beliefs. 

With going through struggles, we get stronger, and learn more about yourself, life, and the around you. You sometimes need the darkness, to appreciate, and know of the light that is around us...

When you hit rock bottom, and feel like surrendering, this is when we will shed our ego, and learn to be humble. We have a new perspective, and it can lead us to the most important choices we can make. Choices like picking up that self-help book we were recommended, like talking to someone, and telling them something we've been meaning to, or opening up about our past.

Haven't you ever had something on your mind. something you wanted to say, but couldn't, until you have had enough, and get very angry or emotional. Then you finally tell the person how you feel, when there is nothing to lose, and no inner thoughts stopping you.

Interview And Short Film Essay Of Mental Health