By Liam Verster

#GetReal and Hats On for Mental Health

Local and national initiatives go as part of Mental Health Week

May 3, 2021 | 1:42 PM

May 3-9 is Mental Health Week, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is running a national social media campaign, while a local initiative is also planned for Grande Prairie to mark the week.

The CMHA has launched the #GetReal campaign, which encourages people to share their thoughts, feelings and stories on social media.

Randy Arsenault, the Executive Director of the CMHA Alberta Northwest branch in Grande Prairie, says this campaign is intended to break the stigma around talking about mental health.

“Mental illness is not a bad word. Everyone is starting to realize they need support, and support has to be there to help us.”

Meanwhile, a local initiative called Hats On for Mental Health is being run at Grande Prairie schools. This initiative allows kids to wear hats in school to raise awareness of mental illness.

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“We do know through research that eight out of ten of us report that we are worried, anxious or stressed out, and COVID has increased our stress levels of course, but knowing and caring is a step in the right direction.”

Arsenault adds that it’s important for people to recognize their own mental health, and come up with support systems of some sort. Those can be friends or family members, or professional resources in Grande Prairie.

The mental health resources available in the Swan City include:

• Canadian Mental Health Association – Alberta Northwest Region: 780-533-2349
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team (ICAT): 780-833-4323
• C&Y Mental Health and Addiction Services: 780-538-5162
• Suicide Prevention Resource Centre: 780-539-6680
• Suicide Distress Line: 1-877-321-2747
• Suicide Crisis Line: Text ‘HOME’ to 686868 or call 1-833-456-4566
• Mental Health Services: 780-538-5162
• Addiction and Mental Health Services: 587-259-5513
• Alberta’s Mental Health Support Line: 1-877-303-2642
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: 1-855-242-3310
• AHS Addictions Helpline: 1-866-332-2322
• Friends From Afar: email friendsfromafargp@gmail.com
• Alberta 211: Call or text 211
• Alberta 811 Health link: Call 811