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The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week – running May 5 to 11 – is “unmasking mental health” – and it’s a powerful message when it comes to building stronger, healthier communities, says psychotherapist Lee-Ann Reid, based out of The Village Wellness Services in Brighton.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some point throughout their lifetimes, whether through their own experiences, or those of loved ones, friends or colleagues.
What’s more, in any given year, one-in-five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.
Meanwhile, by age 40, about half of the population will have, or have had a mental illness.
In Brighton, The Village Wellness Services opened its doors in January of this year with the team looking to help address growing needs locally in a unique underserved area bordering Northumberland and Quinte, explains Reid, who also has a long-time non-profit background.
“We are an interdisciplinary team (of six) that supports Brighton and the surrounding communities in mental health, and health and wellness in general,” says Reid.
Reid is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Reid tells us more about what it means to “unmask” mental health.
For people looking for support, Reid says people are not alone and help is out there.
At 46 Prince Edward St., Unit 3 – the plaza where Village Wellness Services is located – the team offers child and youth counselling, mental health consultations, personal support worker (PSW) services, psychotherapy, and addiction counselling, according to the company’s website.
Reid tells us more about accessing services.
Jana Hoogsteen is another member of the team and a PSW.
From respite services for kids, to help for overworked moms or memory care with seniors or post-op care after a surgery, and more, Hoogsteen says she often serves as extra set of hands in an array of situations.
“The one thing that really (strikes) me about mental health and PSW support services that kind of gets overlooked is caregiver burnout,” says Hoogsteen.
Hoogsteen tells us more about what she often sees and shares some key takeaways for people.
“Having trusted support – somebody who is there to support you supporting your loved one – is so important because you provide better care when you’re taken care of,” stresses Hoogsteen.
In the words of CMHA, living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough – “masking” just makes it harder.
Living with mental health challenges often forces people to hide behind a “mask” to protect against judgement and discrimination – but the heavier the stigma, the heavier the mask becomes, and the more isolated people feel, say CMHA advocates.
This week, professionals and advocates across Northumberland and the nation are encouraging people to look beyond the surface and truly try and see people.
“By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it,” says CMHA. “In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.”
Stay tuned all week-long for Mental Health Week features.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
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