Sun Country Health Region is participating in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Mental Health Week from May 2-8.
“Sun Country Health Region (SCHR) works in partnership with the CMHA and we applaud the organization for focusing each year on specific aspects of the care for people with mental illness,” said Janice Giroux, cice president, Community Services, SCHR.
This year’s focus is on reducing the discrimination and stigma attached to mental illness and asking the public to raise awareness and build support for people who need care and treatment.
SCHR will use the week to increase awareness of many supportive programs, in particular a program called Changeways. This program is offered as an educational group therapy protocol designed to introduce clients to basic psychological self-care concepts.
The program provides clients with instruction in a variety of problem-solving and lifestyle management skills, such as learning to cope with issues such as anxiety.
The program also emphasizes specific, research-based strategies for dealing with life problems and transforming them into goals for change. The signs, symptoms, and causes of depression and the effects of diet, exercise, sleep habits, caffeine, and drugs and alcohol will also be covered.
Changeways is provided most often to clients experiencing depression, dysthymia, bipolar II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder. It has also been offered to clients experiencing major life stressors or transitions such as retirement, immigration, and dealing with chronic illness. The program helps to support learning to think in a more balanced and realistic manner.
People can refer themselves to the program by calling the Mental Health Services at 306-842-8665 or toll free 1-800-216-7689.
