Journey to Hope Moose Jaw is recognizing Mental Health Week – which runs from May 6 to 12 – by holding two training workshops and a guest speaker, which will follow this year’s theme, “A Call to be Kind: Because Compassion Connects us All.”
This week-long acknowledgement of mental health is important, according to Donna Atsu-Bowyer, a long-term Journey to Hope member and the trainer who will lead the upcoming wellness workshops.
“It brings awareness to the community that there are mental health issues, and that we can make a difference,” she explained.
Mental Health First Aid
On May 8 – 9, a two-day Mental Health First Aid course will be hosted by Moose Jaw Family Services at 200 Main Street South and will be led by Atsu-Bowyer.
The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on each respective date and attendance at all four modules is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion.
The course is offered, Atsu-Bowyer said, because mental health still faces several taboos, and many continue to struggle – oftentimes in silence.
“There’s so much misinformation about mental health and mental illness,” she said. “It’s also sometimes hard to get services when we need them. So, it’s really important to have people trained in the community to be Mental Health First Aiders.”
Atsu-Bowyer described Mental Health First Aid as a physical First Aid analogue, but with a focus on the mental aspects of health which she said are interconnected with the physical.
“They’re not bleeding; they’re not dying on the floor,” she said about those struggling with mental health. “But they need the same amount of help as somebody who may be struggling with a physical health issue.”
These individuals often face a lonely struggle because many don’t know how to respond and tend to pull away. Her hope is that the program will give people the confidence and training needed to offer meaningful help instead of distance.
A fee of $25 is required and you can register by messaging DonnaAtsu@gmail.com. If you wish to attend but are currently unable to pay the fee, Atsu-Bowyer said to call to discuss options.
Ruby Remenda Swanson
On Thursday, May 9, guest speaker Ruby Swanson will discuss what its like to be the parent of gay child at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, and the presentation will be offered free of charge.
“She talks about what it’s like as a parent, and how to have those difficult conversations – not just with family but also with other people,” Atsu-Bowyer said.
“I’m going because I want to learn… more about how to speak to (these individuals and make them feel heard).”
The topic considers the high average suicide rate among LGBTQ individuals, and Atsu-Bowyer said she’s met several people who lost their child because of suicide – often because they didn’t feel accepted.
Safe TALK
A third program, Safe TALK, will take place at the St. Andrew’s United Church lounge and runs from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. This suicide awareness workshop will also be a certificate program and pre-registration is required by emailing DonnaAtsu@gmail.com.
“After a suicide, we often hear people say, ‘Oh I never would have thought that they were feeling that way,’” Atsu-Bowyer explained.
Reactions such as this stem from a wide dissemination of misinformation on the topic of suicide and mental health. The language we use is also crucial when it comes to offering support and many don’t reach out because of it.
“Compassion doesn’t cost anything, and it makes such a difference to the people around you…,” she concluded.
For more information, Donna Atsu-Bowyer can be reached at 306-631-4315 or DonnaAtsu@gmail.com. You can follow Journey to Hope on Facebook at ‘Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.’
To learn more about Mental Health Week, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website at CMHA.ca.
