Change, stress and adversity can all be hard to cope with on a day-to-day basis, but in an effort to educate the Richmond community on how to develop resiliency and bounce back from challenging situations, two events are coming up as part of the nation-wide Mental Health Week.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians live with mental health problems, mental illness or addiction. “But the reality is, five in five of us have mental health, just like we all have physical health,” the organization says.
As part of CMHA’s annual Mental Health Week, a director from the UBC Psychology Clinic and a community educator will share a series of short films on resiliency, paired with a commentary from an expert panel on Tuesday May 8 at Richmond Hospital.
Dr. Ingrid Söchting of UBC will partner with Seia Roots to lead this discussion. Söchting’s expertise involves individual and group therapy and research of Canadian Aboriginal people and Asian immigrants to Canada. Roots is a teacher of laughter yoga and promotes well-being and happiness through her practice.
On Thursday, May 10, Teresa Massel, a registered art therapist will lead a workshop for adults and seniors on the benefits of art therapy at the Richmond Public Library.
Nationally, CMHA is encouraging Canadians to “get loud about what mental really is.” Get involved by spreading awareness on social media using the hashtag #GetLoud, by attending a local event or by visit the Mental Health Week website.
Film screening and discussion
Tuesday, May 8, Ralph Fisher Auditorium, Richmond Hospital
Begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Free parking in gravel lot off of Westminster Hwy
Building Resiliency through Creativity for adults and seniors
Thursday, May 10, Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch, 1st floor; 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Registration required: contact Pascale or Barb, Pathways Clubhouse, 604-276-8834. Space is limited.
