Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Jill Sperling

Mental Health Week

CMHA encourages people to talk about emotions, get creative during Mental Health Week

May 4, 2021 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — Many Canadians have experienced a decline in their overall mental health since the start of the pandemic.

During Mental Health Week, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is encouraging people who are struggling to identify their emotions and seek help when they begin to impact daily activities.

In Kamloops, the CMHA runs a variety of programs to support individuals with persistent mental illness or who require stability and a boost in self-esteem.

On Tuesday (May 4), the CMHA Clubhouse on Seymour Street became an art studio with participants carefully drawing and painting as they tapped into their creativity.

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“It helps me to relax and it helps my mind, makes me relax instead of being edgy,” said Veronica Lavoie. “It really helps a great deal. It helps a lot.”

Lavoie is one of several clients of the Kamloops CMHA that regularly participate in the Crossing Bridges art program.

Chris Bose instructs a session three times a week.

“It’s been really wonderful to work with all the clients and the staff and to find a place where people are receptive and to see the healing, to see the emotional and sort of spiritual growth that comes with doing art,” Bose said.

Through the program, Clinton Oman has found his confidence.

“I find myself getting more encouraged,” he said. “I can do this if I try, and I’ve got helpful people here that say I can do it. I’ve never been so encouraged by most everybody here, everyone I meet.”

For many, the pandemic has taken away opportunities for community. The CMHA is attempting to bring a sense of that back.

“I think that the most important thing about this program right now with the pandemic is that connection,” said Christa Haywood-Farmer, manager of Community and Vocational Integration. “We’re limited with our numbers and capacity and the programs that we run — however we’re still able to connect.”

Haywood-Farmer says eight out of 10 Canadians have reported feeling tired, stressed or anxious during the pandemic. During Mental Health Week, the CMHA is encouraging people to talk about and understand their emotions.

“I think that we just have to be aware of what works for us,” Haywood-Farmer said. “I know that might sound silly, but whatever we do to stay well, whether that’s being connected to our family and our friends, just figure out a different way to do it, exercise, leisure activity, Chris mentioned art. Whatever it is, just to be mindful of that.”

Bose encourages people to find a creative outlet, saying his students have grown in both skill and courage.

“Fearlessness,” he said. “They have no fear. They want to try new things and that’s so exciting to work with people whop aren’t afraid. They’re like, ‘Yeah.’ Veronica, she’s like, ‘Yeah, I want to draw.'”