Light Up The World Purple day is coming up on Oct 10th and the “World Mental Health Day,” has been officially signed by the Mayor of Brandon as the date that the city of Brandon recognizes as a day for mental health. Light Up The World Purple phenomena and “World Mental Health Day,” is an international day created to raise awareness about mental health in memory of Canadian Amanda Todd.
Here is a list of the resources available to everyone here in Brandon, for anyone who might find themselves needing some support.
First, Brandon University has it’s own counsellors whose information can be found at ww.brandonu.ca/personal-counselling. Contact information for booking appointments can be found on the website.
The Brandon Friendship Centre specializes in aboriginal counselling and cultural practices, with an open door policy for both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people alike. With services consisting of individual counselling for adults, sharing circles, and anger management, the Brandon Friendship Centre offers support for various needs. Their full information and services can be found on their website at www.brandonfriendshipcentre.com.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba possesses a great deal of information about anxiety, what it is and how it may manifest in some individuals, success stories, as well as contact information for different services in case of an emergency. Their website also has helpful tools like relaxing audio and videos for visitors to access. Find them at www.adam.mb.ca
The Canadian Mental Health Association has educational documents made to supply information on various topics ranging from Mental Health and Smoking, Stress, Understanding Mental Illness, and information on where to find help. Their website is mbwpg.cmha.ca
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba is another resource that covers a range of mental illnesses. They have workshops and programs, Family Navigation, postpartum assistance, SAD lights, support groups, and are familiar with cases in addictions, bullying, bipolar disorder, depression, self-care and others you can find on their website at www.mooddisordersmanitoba.ca
Klinic is a resource for mental health, dedicated to helping “people of every age, background, ethnicity, gender identity, and socio-economic circumstance.” A crisis line in available along the top of their website. Find them at www.klinic.mb.ca
Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba supplies the following phone numbers in case of an emergency:
KLINIC Crisis Line: 204-786-8686
Manitoba Suicide Line: 1-877-435-7170
Crisis Stabilization Unit: 204-940-3633
Mobile Crisis Service: 204-940-1781
Youth Mobile Crisis Team: 204-949-4777
Seneca House: 204-942-9276 (7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
MB Farm & Rural Support Services: 1-866-367-3276
Take care of yourself this year and try to recognize when you need that extra bit of help and support. It can be difficult when you’re busy but remember to check in on your friends and colleagues. Even if you don't need this type of information maybe one of your friends could use it. Share the knowledge, share the love.