
Today marks the 8th Edition of Bell’s Let’s Talk Day. This national campaign aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health has pledged to donate $100 million through 2020.
For every tweet/retweet using #BellLetsTalk or view of the official Bell Let’s Talk video, Bell will donate 5¢ to Canadian mental health initiatives.
One in five Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their life.
Source: The Canadian Institute of Health Research
In support of this initiative, we at the West Island Blog want to start a conversation with you. Finding local resources can sometimes seem challenging, especially in the middle of a crisis. Below is a short list of events and resources that we have compiled. Help us add to it by sharing names of support groups, charities, therapeutic centers…anyone that provides support for mental health.
Support for Mothers
West Island Women’s Center offers a free monthly support group for new moms. Come talk, share, and connect with other new moms. Free childcare is provided. The group is facilitated by Corrie Sirota-Frankel, a counsellor and social worker.
When: The first Tuesday of every month from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: The West Island Women’s Centre, St. Columba-by-the-Lake Church, 11 Rodney Avenue, Pointe-Claire. (Please use the Vincennes Avenue parking lot entrance.)
Info: Registration is required. To join this support group or for more information please call the Women’s Centre’s outreach line at 514-781-8529 or e-mail outreach@wiwc.ca.
West Island Citizen Advocacy Free Course on the Art of Mindfulness
The world is becoming more and more stressful and we are all looking for ways to cope. What does it mean to be mindful? Why is it beneficial? How do you achieve mindfulness?
When: Friday, February 2nd, 2018 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: West Island Citizen Advocacy, 68 Prince Edward, Pointe-Claire
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/172438453520659/
Free Workshop: How to Manage Anxiety Naturally
Four professionals from the Yellow Umbrella Wellness Centre share their expertise: Sheila Southon, Naturotherapist, will explain the overall effect of chronic anxiety on our physical systems, and then demonstrate techniques to counteract symptoms of anxiety. Sue-Anne Hickey, certified Naturopath, will discuss how diet plays a huge role with anxiety, which foods to eat, which ones to avoid. Isabelle Richter, Osteopath, will talk about the anatomy of anxiety – what happens in our bodies with the anxiety button switched on, and off.
When: Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 at 10:00 am
Where: Beaconsfield Library, 303 Boulevard Beaconsfield
Info: https://www.beaconsfield.ca/en/living-in-beaconsfield/upcoming-events/lectures-and-conferences/how-to-manage-anxiety-naturally
Rising Above Anxiety & Stress Group
RISE Anxiety & Depression Clinic is hosting a 4-week clinic led by Licensed Psychotherapist, Ivan Rubio, MA to help people dealing with stress and anxiety. Insurance receipts are available as there is a registration fee of $211.
When: Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 (4 weekly sessions) 7pm-8:15pm
Where: Rise Anxiety & Depression Clinic, 4795 Saint-Charles Blvd, Suite 203, Pierrefonds, QC H9H 3Z1
Info: 514-232-6445 or email info@riseclinic.ca
Mindfulness and Cancer
An 8-week workshop for people with cancer, and their loved ones. In this workshop, led by Stephen Schettini you will learn to respond to your situation with courage and creativity, and better manage your feelings and outlook by finding untapped resources within yourself. Stephen’s teachings are derived from the 8 years he spent as a Buddhist monk. Cost is $165 per person, including taxes.
When: February 12th – Apr.9th, 2018 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
Where: Church of St-John the Baptist 233, avenue Sainte-Claire
Info: http://schettini.com/register/