May 2 to 9 is Mental Health Week 2015. The Canadian Mental Health Association Battlefords Branch, Edwards Society, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Saskatchewan Hospital are encouraging the community to support Mental Health for All.
A number of activities throughout the week will recognize the national awareness initiative, ending with an awards banquet honouring those who have been selected as this year's Champions of Mental Health.
Monday, May 4, a flag raising will take place at North Battleford City Hall at 10 a.m.
Following, at 11 a.m., CMHA Battlefords Branch will host its annual community barbecue at 1011 - 103rd St., North Battleford. A smokie on a bun with beans, a cookie and a drink will be available for $6 until 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5, Edwards Society will host a come and go strawberry tea at 11301 - Clark Dr., North Battleford, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more information call Wendy at 306-446-2706.
Wednesday, May 6, Saskatchewan Hospital will host its talent show from 1:15 to 3 p.m. There will be snacks and beverages in addition to the entertainment.
Thursday, May 7, there will be a walk for awareness starting at Saskatchewan Hospital and ending at library park across from North Battleford City Hall. The walk begins at 1 p.m. and free refreshments will be provided afterwards.
Thursday, May 7, starting at 6 p.m., a round dance social will be held at Battlefords Indian Métis Friendship Centre, sponsored by Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre. For more info contact Karen Hujdic at 306-937-6700.
Saturday, May 9, the North Battleford Branch of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan will host its annual Champions of Mental Health Gala at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts starting at 5:30 p.m. For tickets call Linda at 306-446-6855, Carol at 306-937-7232 or Pat at 306-445-3067.
Did you know …
• Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague
• Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community. Almost half (49 per cent) of those who feel they have suffered from anxiety or depression have never sought help. Thirty-eight per cent of Canadian adults are embarrassed to admit their child or teen had a mental illness such as anxiety or depression.
• One in five Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
• Mental illness affects people of all ages, educational and income levels and cultures.
• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide.
• Men are more likely than women to develop schizophrenia at a younger age.
• The number of 12 to 19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing depression is 3.2 million.
• Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children – with Canada’s youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world.
• Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15- to 24-year-old Canadians, second only to accidents – 4,000 people die prematurely each year by suicide.
• The suicide rate for Canada’s First Nation children is five times the national average.
• Schizophrenia is youth’s greatest disabler – it strikes most often in the 16 to 30 age group.
• Surpassed only by injuries, mental disorders in youth are ranked as the second highest hospital care expenditure in Canada
• In Canada, only one out of six children who need mental health services receives them.
