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Mental health awareness is something I have been passionate about for almost 4 years. It started when I saw close friends suffer from depression and anxiety, and I felt helpless since I did not know how to rightfully approach their situation. It’s so easy to feel like your words of comfort and support are ineffective, especially when the healing process isn’t out there for everyone to physically see. But what I’ve learned since then is not to stigmatize mental health and cower from those who suffer from one. Life is challenging enough when at a constant war with yourself; having peers distance themselves rather than getting you back on your feet is another war that does not have to be fought.
Particularly living in a society where:
10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness
3.2 million 12-19 year olds in Canada are at risk for developing depression
and
4000 people in Canada, ages 15-24 years old, die prematurely each year by suicide
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there is no excuse or time to deny those affected by a mental illness. In these past years alone, we have heard, seen, and read so many stories of lives ending too quickly because the shame put on those suffering was bigger than the desire to accept and support them. The stigma truly lies in not seeing right away the call to help, and we know better than anyone else what remaining passive can do.
Partners for Mental Health (PFMH) is a charity dedicated to increasing mental health services, awareness, and acceptance in Canada. Through their youth program, Right By You, they strive to:
Increase awareness and attention toward youth mental health
Create greater understanding, acceptance and support for young people living with a mental health problem or illness
and
Increase access to, and funding for, youth mental health services, treatment and support
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In major cities across Canada, there are committees that create traction towards the goals and services set out out by PFMH; I am incredibly lucky to be part of the Calgary Chapter. Since September, we have worked hard to put together our main fundraising event for the year. This Saturday, November 28th, we will be hosting Right By You at the Movies – a screening of To Write Love on Her Arms, plus a panel of guests after the movie!
Some of you are already aware of the non-profit organization, To Write Love on Her Arms, so this movie is a remarkable extension of the work TWLOHA has invested into hope for people struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and thoughts of suicide. Also remember that only through this and similar Right By You events will you be able to watch this movie since PFMH was given permission to screen this in Canada!
Event details
When: Saturday, November 28th – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road NW, T2N 3P4
Why: to increase awareness of youth mental health through a touching movie of self-recovery and panel of esteemed guests!
Cost: $10 for students, $25 for adults – tickets here
As to who will be at the event or on the panel, PFMH Volunteer Services Director, PJ Vankoughnett-Olson, will be the emcee, a front-line worker speaking about mental health, and parents of youth affected by mental health.
Lastly, who could forget about the youth? We are grateful to have our very own YAA blogger, Julia Caddy, as a panelist for this event! Member of Bishop Carroll’s Mental Wellness Committee and attendee of the 2016 Jack Summit, Julia will be speaking and answering questions about her experience with mental illness. Her accomplishments are a true testament of the barriers broken when mental illness is no longer one of them.
If you are interested in attending, get your tickets here! Also check out our Facebook event page for updates and other information. Join Julia, myself, and other YAA bloggers in an entertaining and informative afternoon that will bring us one step closer to ending the stigma around mental health. We all have weaknesses, so what is most important is acknowledging and building on them to become stronger people.
Best wishes,
Kandace 🙂