The theme of this year's Mental Health Week was "Mental health for all," and, as in previous years, the Canadian Mental Health Association encouraged "people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health."
On their website (www.mentalhealthweek.ca), CMHA compares mental health to physical fitness, saying it is a lifelong challenge to stay mentally healthy, and provides tips for improving one's mental fitness.
Enjoying hobbies, exercising, learning to cope with negative thoughts, trying new things, sharing humour and staying in touch with loved ones were among the suggestions offered by CMHA. Other features, such as a Mental Health Meter, a Work/Life Balance Quiz and a Stress Test, were offered online to help people understand and improve their mental health.
Mental Health Week has been celebrated in Canada for 60 years, and here in the Battlefords, a number of activities were held, making the week one to remember.
The week kicked off with a flag raising at North Battleford City Hall Monday, then was followed by a fundraising barbecue held at the CMHA Battlefords Branch office, which had a decent turn out.
Wednesday, a Walk for Awareness saw several CMHA members and others in the community hike from the Saskatchewan Hospital to the CMHA Battlefords Branch, despite the gloomy clouds and chilly wind.
A Strawberry Tea was held at the Edwards Society Thursday. The Edwards Society is a non-profit organization providing services for adults experiencing prolonged mental illness, funded by Prairie North Health Region and founded by W. A. Edwards in 1978.
The Edwards Society offers a number of programs, including their core group home program, which allows six people to live in a family-style environment with 24/7 staffing, the seniors program, which offers weekly social events and the supported living program, wherein individuals living independently receive guidance and assistance in maintaining their independence.
There is also a special events program offering clients the opportunity to celebrate holidays and special occasions when they are not able to do so with their family members.
Friday, a Spring Fling barbecue, sponsored by CMHA Battlefords Branch, Portage Vocational Society and Edwards Society, was held at the David Laird Campground.
The free event featured wagon rides and an outdoor movie, and although the skies threatened rain at the beginning, the clouds were whisked away to reveal the sun, so everyone could gather by the campfire.
