I was recently challenged by Carrie-Ann Dambrowitz, a constituent whose daughter suffers from schizophrenia, to donate the price of one restaurant meal to a Mental Health Service Provider of my choice and to encourage five others to do the same. She also issued the same challenge to over 300 other federal and provincial elected officials and was very encouraged by the positive response she received.
In writing this column I am hoping to get as many people as possible to take up Carrie-Ann’s modest challenge. I have come to realize that we owe a great deal to the many professionals and volunteers in our communities who go well beyond ordinary efforts, with very limited resources, to advocate for and improve the lives of those who suffer from mental distress. With only a little bit of help from each of us they could do so much more.
One organization I am inspired to recommend for your donation is the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). They have developed a wide range of specialized services and programs tailored to maximize available resources in communities across the country. They can also connect people to many other organizations and programs that deal with specific challenges such as housing, employment and entrepreneurial training. Their website provides a wealth of information that will not only enhance your understanding of mental health issues but I feel sure will inspire you to find a way to support their efforts.
A breakdown in mental health, whether mild or severe, can strike any one of us, or someone close to us, at any time. It can present itself in the form of depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorder, a number of phobias and although rare, as schizophrenia. We can take comfort in knowing that most mental health issues are entirely treatable if help is first sought and then obtained. Modern medicine provides many safe and effective treatments and with many conditions counseling is all that is required. There is absolutely no need for anyone to hide from this illness and attempt to go it alone anymore!
May 3rd marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week with this year’s theme being ‘Building Your Mental Health Support One Step at a Time.’ This presents a great opportunity to have an open dialogue with neighbours, friends and family about an illness with many faces which has the capacity to touch lives in unexpected ways. This is also a great time to learn some tricks on how to protect your own mental and emotional wellbeing as well. In doing so you may find the inspiration to help others get the support they need to cope with what is a largely treatable and very often preventable illness.
Please take the time to invest in yourself and your community by visiting the Canadian Mental Health Association at www.cmha.ca . I am confident that once you learn about the amazing work being done by the volunteers and professionals at CMHA on a shoestring budget, you too will want to take up Carrie-Ann’s challenge. “Feed the Mind, Not the Gut – Donate the price of a meal to mental health” says Carrie-Ann’s son Chad. I’ve got to say – how can anyone say no to that!
Tags: CMHA, mental health