If you are thinking about suicide, or you’re worried about someone else, there is help and there is hope. Call or text 9-8-8 toll free, any time — lines are open 24/7/365. To learn more about 9-8-8 visit their website.

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Get Ready to #GetReal about how you feel

This CMHA Mental Health Week, we’re diving into how we feel. It’s hard to deal with our emotions when we don’t know what we’re feeling. You may have been taught to push your bad feelings away, but research shows that understanding and naming our feelings can make sadness, anger and pain feel less intense.

And there’s no question – these pandemic times of pain and anxiety are intense! Recent CMHA research with UBC found that 40 per cent of Canadians experienced a decline in their mental health since the pandemic started. Many of us are exercising outdoors to deal with the stress, but one in five are using substances like drugs and alcohol to cope.

Unfortunately, ignoring our unpleasant feelings, and going numb, just makes them dig their heels in. They can take us on a scary roller coaster and make it hard to get a hold on them. Emotion science tells us that naming how we feel helps put the brakes on.

So, this year, CMHA will focus on how naming, expressing and dealing with our emotions—even when they’re uncomfortable—can make us feel better.

When we understand and work with our emotions, this helps protect our mental health, during tough times like the pandemic and throughout all stages of life. And, when we understand how we are feeling, we’re better able to understand and empathise with others, too. And that helps create a climate of support and acceptance.

Heavy, painful feelings lighten when we put them into words. This Mental Health Week, don’t go uncomfortably numb. #GetReal about how you feel. Name it, don’t numb it.

For info and tools, visit mentalhealthweek.ca.


How to celebrate Mental Health Week in Nova Scotia

In the Know

Wednesday, May 5 (9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

On May 5, Farm Safety Nova Scotia will host In the Know, a mental health literacy training program for farmers and the agricultural community.
This workshop is designed for farmers, producers, and those who have direct contact with the farming community such as family members, peers, veterinarians, breeders, seed or feed salespeople, financial institutions, accountants or community members.
To learn more or register visit https://novascotia.cmha.ca/…/in-the-know-mental-health…/

Men’s Peer Support Group

Wednesday, May 5 ( 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

As part of our continued efforts to expand peer support services throughout Nova Scotia, the CMHA-NS Division is offering a non-clinical men’s  peer support group. This group is for any male who could use a safe place to talk about mental health challenges they might be facing right now – from anxiety to isolation to depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling, we invite you to join our Peer Supporters Glenn and Keith at 7 p.m., Wednesday evenings via ZOOM, as they create a safe place for conversation from a place of lived experience. There is no fee to participate.

This group is ongoing and new members are welcome.

For more information or to register please contact Keith Anderson at [email protected]


Walk Tall for Men’s Mental Health

Thursday, May 6 ( 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Join CMHA Colchester East Hants for an evening with healing motivator and two-time best selling author of Playing with Fire and Conversations With a Rattlesnake, Theo Fleury. The evening will be emceed by James Faulkner and will highlight Theo Fleury, a former NHL All-Star, Stanley Cup winner and Olympic Gold Medalist, who will shed light on his personal struggles and triumphs surrounding his mental health.
 
This is an online event but space is limited so please RSVP by email at [email protected].
 

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