Mental Health 2020

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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north shore news nsnews.com

Get ready to get loud and

#GetReal

CMHA Mental Health Week

May 4-10, 2020

ADVERTISING FEATURE

We say we’re fine, even when the truth is we’re ecstatic, exhausted, grateful.

Or even freaking out. Every time we just go through the motions, we miss out on the chance to connect for real. In times of crisis we need each other more than ever.

Connecting doesn’t just feel good—it’s good for our mental health.

Leaders in supporting Mental Health

Domestic violence increases under stressful circumstances.

For some people right now, home isn’t always a safe place. As we are forced to be more socially isolated, violence can more easily go unnoticed. In fact it is highly likely that current circumstances will increase our demand for our services for some months to come.

North Shore Crisis Services Society is here to help.We will continue to be there for women and families who need us.

Individual Counselling Couples Counselling Family Counselling Parent Education Child & Adolescent Counselling Divorce & Separation Anxiety & Depression

•

Our Women’s 24 hour Support Line (604-987-3374) is available for immediate support at all times.

•

Our community programs Outreach Workers continue to provide phone support to women and children.

•

SAGE Transition House and our second stage housing programs continue to welcome women and children in need of safe shelter.

In these socially isolated times, it is more important than ever to stay connected and support our community.We would like to thank everyone for their generous support as we work through this together.

Online counselling Online booking

Serving the North Shore for over 25 years

If your circumstances allow, please consider making a donation to help us keep women and children safe.

200 – 147 West 16th Street, North Vancouver Phone: 604-987-0366 Email: lreynolds@nscss.net • www.nscss.net

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CMHA Mental Health Week May 4-10, 2020 The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is social connection. Connecting with other people and our communities doesn’t just feel good. It’s good for our mental health. ◗ Research shows that social connection and social support are factors

that protect and promote good mental health. ◗ Feeling socially connected means you feel close and connected to

Struggling with stress?

Feeling down, anxious, or disconnected?

Relationship difficulties?

Not sure where to turn for help?

At the North Shore Stress & Anxiety Clinic, we offer effective interventions for adults, parents, children, teens, couples, and families. Our diverse team of psychologists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide helpful support and high-quality therapy that works.

During these stressful and challenging times, our psychologists are continuing to provide services using secure videoconferencing and telephone.

We are accepting new referrals and no physician referral is required. Most clients seeking treatment can be matched with a psychologist within a few business days.

Call us at 604-985-3939 or email us at nssac.reception@gmail.com to book an appointment.

Suite 330 – 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver

www.nssac.ca

others, and you don’t have to be in physical proximity to nurture a sense of closeness and connection.

It’s common in our society to ask people how they are.

Unfortunately, it’s also common not to provide—or expect— a truthful answer. ◗ It’s common in Canada to say we’re fine, even when we don’t really

mean it. ◗ Every time we just go through the motions, we miss a chance to

connect with others in a meaningful way.

As we face the COVID-19 global pandemic, we need each other now more than ever. It’s time to #GetReal about how we feel and lean on others for support. ◗ This Mental Health Week, let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have

real conversations with our friends, neighbours and co-workers about how we’re all really doing. We’re in this together. ◗ In these days of social distancing (more accurately called physical

distancing), we are learning that we don’t have to be close to feel close. We are together, even when we’re apart. ◗ Everyone needs emotional support at the best of times. ◗ It is precisely the time, during and in recovery from the pandemic,

to lean on each other. Even if we can’t be close physically with one another, we need to stay close emotionally. ◗ Phone calls, video calls and other digital technologies offer excellent

opportunities for connecting face-to-face, even when we can’t be in the same room.

This Mental Health Week let's #GetReal and reach out

Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) North and West Vancouver Branch to learn more about online groups, low cost online counselling, free online peer support and more.

In these uncertain times, we’re here for you however you show up.

Visit northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca to learn more

CMHA Mental Health Week

May 4-10, 2020

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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north shore news nsnews.com

CMHA

Get ready to get loud and

Mental Health Week May 4-10, 2020

#GetReal

Keep mental health top of mind Talking to family and friends, exercise, sleep, diet key to surviving home work JEREMY HAINSWORTH GLACIER MEDIA Contributing writer

before it overwhelms us, leading us to put demands on a health system already under strain.

Maintaining mental health during stressful periods such as the one Canadian workers are currently experiencing should be a top-of-mind issue, counsellors and employee assistance experts say.

“Recognize you can only do so much,” Morris said.

That’s the case more than ever as people find themselves working from home while wondering what the future holds.

“Take a break,” Morris said. “Get some air in your yard or on your balcony.”

“It’s a complicated, different way of working,” said Canadian Mental Health Association CEO Jonny Morris. “We’re exercising different muscles and working things out.”

The CMHA says anxiety around COVID-19 affects not only people’s work but everything in their lives.

“There’s a different level of fatigue,” Morris said.

As such, it’s important to manage that anxiety

So, as more people work from home, Morris said, they should ensure they eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and make time for hobbies.

As well, stay connected with family and friends, help others and cut back time on social media or watching news.

Restoring Calm Counselling Are you overwhelmed, upset or dealing with anxiety related to the impact of COVID-19, or another challenge you’re facing?

I can help you manage your emotions and restore balance and calm in your life again.

Further, Morris said, employee benefit packages exist to help people. That includes psychological help, he said.

The CMHA also suggests exploring selfmanagement strategies like mindfulness, yoga, meditation, art or exercise to manage anxious thoughts. Anxiety coping strategies can be found at: anxietycanada.com.

Morris said people can also explore mental health and substance use information at heretohelp.bc.ca or through the Bounce Back program: bouncebackbc.ca Those suggestions are in line with those coming from B.C.’s government which also suggests playing a board game, practising deep breathing,

For More Information: restoringcalmcounselling.com info@restoringcalmcounselling.com 778-899-2646

continued on page 32

The future depends on what you do in the present Are you noticing increased stress, anxiety, feelings of panic, jitteriness or mood swings? Are you sleeping more or less than usual?

Are you taking extra trips to the fridge? Maybe there are a few more empty wine bottles stacking up on your back porch?

COVID-19 can trigger a past challenge or internal conflict that has your body reacting in an old pattern of self-protection without you even knowing it. This inhibits our resilience and capacity and our ability to connect in our relationships.

There is a positive side to all of this, and it is a chance to become more aware of ourselves and gain choice rather than react out of our old patterns.

When you have the right person to support you, someone you can trust and feel safe with, this time of crisis can be a wakeup call and a time of powerful transformation.

About Trish As a Somatic Psychotherapist, Trish Leptick, BA, RTC, SEP has expertise in both the language of the body (Somatic) and the language of the mind (Psychotherapy) bringing a powerful combination of skills. After receiving her degree from Simon Fraser University and the University of Toronto, Trish completed her training in psychology with designations as a Registered Therapeutic Psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.

Live life to your true potential, book a call with Trish now!

Phone: 778-846-4611 Email: admin@trishleptick.com

Website: trishleptick.com Youtube: youtube.com/TrishLeptick

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CMHA Mental Health Week May 4-10, 2020 continued from page 31

taking a bath, reading about something other than the virus, cuddling your pet, engaging in digital detox such as leaving your phone alone for a while and making sure to exercise.

Derek LaCroix of B.C.’s Lawyers Assistance Program is one of many working from home.

“This is a time for real mental hygiene,” he said.

“If I let myself go, there’s a lot of ways to go: too much TV, too much news, too much staring out the window.”

LaCroix said he’s ensuring he adheres to a schedule, that he takes breaks and steps away from his work. He’s going for walks, reaching out to friends.

“A lot of people seem to be doing really well by slowing down,” he said.

One issue that cuts across working and social environments is that of substance abuse – that involving alcohol, drugs or other mood-altering issues.

W E S TA N D TO G E T H E R Thanks to donations to the North Shore COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, critically-ill patients at LGH continue to receive the best care and our health care teams have access to more of the vital equipment they need to save lives.

We truly appreciate your support. Thank you.

The situation is changing day-to-day and we still need your help.

Please join the fight against COVID-19 and donate online at: lghfoundation.com/covid-19-fund

Bringing life-changing care to the North Shore. lghfoundation.com 604.984.5785 | info@ lghfoundation.com

Many seeking recovery or already in recovery from such issues have moved into the online realm to find or sustain help for themselves and others.

Organizations such as 12-step programs – examples being Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Al-Anon, which assists family and friends of those with such issues – have moved their meetings online.

Assistance in finding help there can be found through those organizations’ websites: ◗ Alcoholics Anonymous - bcyukonaa.org ◗ Narcotics Anonymous - bcrna.ca ◗ Al-Anon - bcyukon-al-anon.org ◗ Cocaine Anonymous - ca-bc.org ◗ Codependants Anonymous - codacanada.ca

Crisis lines also offer help to those finding themselves with nowhere to turn as they find themselves in dire straits.

The United Nations has also produced a wide-ranging guidance for handling current mental health issues. ■

Have you been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis?

Family Services of the North Shore is here to help.

We are offering up to six weeks of FREE Counselling support for anyone struggling with the affects of the COVID-19 crisis, including:

■ first responders ■ anxious or isolated adults/seniors ■ frontline workers ■ those impacted by loss ■ overwhelmed parents

I am your ally on the path Trauma Resolution & Somatic Psychotherapy

CALL 604-877-4381 or 236-982-9871 or go to www.familyservices.bc.ca/covid-19-support/

Zoom Sessions / Online booking

Regular programming which includes counselling, parent support, and outreach services have been moved from in-person to online!

aprillies.com

(Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm)

and speak to a master’s level counsellor for immediate, confidential support.

Taking care of the most vulnerable is a community responsibility. Without your help, none of this is possible. If you are able to help, please donate online using our website, or by phone 778-318-3683.

April Lies MA, RCC, SEP

www.familyservices.bc.ca @familyservicesofthenorthshore @fsnorthshore This ad space generously donated by Lakes, Whyte LLP.

Suite 206C - 1571 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver • 778-839-6292

Wildhearts Counselling, Ltd

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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north shore news nsnews.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tuesday May 5, 2020

EMPOWERING STUDENTS FROM K-12

While there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, KGMS has worked hard to adapt quickly to our changing reality for teaching and learning.

We continue to support our community during the COVID-19 outbreak through our KGMS Community Relief Fund, and are proud to continue to educate K-12 students with diverse and unique learning needs.

WWW.KGMS.CA @KGM_SCHOOL

We educate students by unlocking and removing obstacles to learning so that each child can experience personal growth and academic achievement. KGMS offers:

• The lowest student to teacher ratio in the province.

• Daily one-on-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring.

• Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum.

• SLP, OT, Counsellors, Developmental Consultant, and School Psychologist.

For admissions inquiries, please contact admissions@kgms.ca.

North Shore COVID-19 Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund Support for local charities providing front-line services to our most vulnerable.

Donate NOw at westvanfoundation.ca/Covid19

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

WHO DESERVES TO EAT? WE THINK EVERYONE DOES

Help vulnerable North Shore families get through the COVID crisis How you can make a difference Donate online at: harvestproject.org Or, donate in person at Thrifty's, Save-On-Foods, Stong's, Columbus Market, Bad Dog Bread and City Market Lonsdale Please tell friends, family, associates

HELP SAVE LIVES. CLOSE TO HOME. harvestproject.org

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MAy 5, 2020 GivingTuesdayNow

A push for generosity during the pandemic GivingTuesday, an organization founded on the transformative power of generosity, has designated May 5 as a global day of giving and unity.

The emergency event, called GivingTuesdayNow, is intended to spark a worldwide movement of support, philanthropy and civic engagement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you to all donors and sponsors for giving to our Library!

A global movement In 2012, GivingTuesday was created to celebrate and encourage acts of generosity and kindness at the grassroots level. Held on the first Tuesday after Black Friday, the organization’s annual event is intended to promote the ability of individuals to affect positive change in their community.

Whether you choose to give your time, money or voice, the ultimate goal of GivingTuesday is to inspire collaboration toward an equitable world.

How you can help To facilitate community involvement during the pandemic, GivingTuesday has created a directory of non-profits, small businesses, schools, faithbased organizations and other local groups that could use your support.

During this unprecedented time of need, you could: ◗ Show your gratitude for health-care workers by staying home

and donating supplies.

◗ Assist small businesses by purchasing gift cards to use online or

at a later date. ◗ Reach out to relatives and neighbours to remind them that they’re not alone. ◗ Donate what you can to an organization you care about. ◗ Volunteer for a local group providing aid to at-risk individuals in your area.

The organization also encourages participants to print out or create their own GivingTuesdayNow rainbow heart poster to display in the window as a sign of support.

For more information about GivingTuesdayNow and how you can help your community, visit givingtuesday.ca.

LIONS GATE

SINFONIA

Our dedicated staff has worked quickly to Go Virtual and provide online service to a vast number of residents in need and to youth, students, educators and seniors. Your generous gifts contribute to Library programs that keep our community connected, engaged and informed in these uncertain times.

If you’d like to support your Library as part of Giving Tuesday, visit wvml.ca/donate

604.925.7400 | westvanlibrary.ca

CANCER WON’T STOP AND NEITHER WILL WE.

YOUR NORTH SHORE ORCHESTRA Clyde Mitchell, Founding Conductor and Music Director

Support Sinfonia this #GivingTuesday and keep the Arts alive!

Facing cancer is more challenging than ever - you can help. This Giving Tuesday support at-risk BC Cancer patients in your community and across BC.

bccancerfoundation.com/GivingTuesday

DONATE TODAY at

lionsgatesinfonia.com/donate

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• • • • • •

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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MAY 5, 2020

North Shore Neighbourhood House is building a safe, healthy and strong community.

COVID-19: What it means to hungry kids

MiSSioN: working together to enhance the lives of our neighbours especially the most vulnerable.

When Joanne Griffiths and daughter Emily-anne co-founded Backpack Buddies in 2012, they could not know they were laying the foundation for the huge challenge they would face just eight years later. Indeed, their goal back then would have been daunting enough for most of us.

ViSioN: a safe, healthy and strong community welcoming all ages, abilities and cultures where everyone has access to support, is included and matters.

“Kids are innately kind and generous,” Griffiths said.

“So knowing 20 per cent of B.C. children were living below the poverty line and that thousands of them were going hungry, we built Backpack Buddies based on a ‘kidshelping-kids’ model.”

Back then, their goal was that, by 2020, they would have inspired 50 Metro Vancouver communities to be working towards alleviating childhood hunger.

Today, due to the massive need created by COVID-19, the Backpack Buddies have had to alter the way they operate. continued on page 38

We have 14 child care programs, Supported Child Development Program, Young Parent Program, Youth Programs, Teen Club, Seniors Programs, Food Security Programs, Health and Recreation Programs and many Volunteer Opportunities.

You can donate online through our website.

We accept gifts of money, stock and securities, corporately, in honour gifts, real estate, and legacy gifts.

Monetary donations are accepted online or through mail.

NortH SHore NeigHbourHood HouSe nsnh.bc.ca • 225 east 2nd St., North Vancouver

Our seniOrs and yOuth cannOt wait fOr “NORMALCY” tO return.

Even in times of crisis, our work is desperately needed and your support is appreciated now more than ever.

Please stay home! Save Lives!

■ Providing a safe place for homeless youth to come in off the streets

We are living through an extremely challenging time in history. Remember, you are not alone. We are here to help you get through this crisis.

■ Ensure seniors living in poverty remain housed ■ Help a youth access post-secondary education ■ House a senior who has fallen onto hard times ■ Training tomorrows workforce

Hollyburn Family Services Society, helping our most vulnerable before, during, and after COVID-19

The DNV Firefighters Charitable Society has partnered with the Harvest Project of the North Shore. With your support, we can help them with these essential services: › Deliver

groceries to our isolated seniors › Purchase groceries for those financially strained

Offer counselling services for those struggling with mental health › So much more! ›

COVID-19 Emergency Response

society.hollyburn.ca

We understand this is a difficult time for many to donate but if you’re in a position to, please do.

Visit dnvfirecharity.ca or scan the QR Code to donate.

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nsnews.com north shore news WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

May 5, 2020 To donate laptops & hardware, please visit anahatafund.com

ACCESS TO EDUC ATION IS COMPROMISED FOR STUDENT S ACROSS THE LOWER MAINL AND. HELP RELIEVE ADDED PRESSURE FROM COVID-19 IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR.

Our youth thrive when given the gift of music

continued from page 37

Where previously they had 19 donor schools in Metro Vancouver to ensure that thousands of backpacks of food were delivered for greatest impact to almost 70 schools, today’s social distancing requires them to offer direct home delivery of meals to over 150 kids in dozens of low-income families.

They hope to manage this on a limited basis until the end of June because it ensures vulnerable families and children have access to meals without putting themselves at risk outdoors, or in long lineups.

“Since the arrival of COVID-19, we have been overwhelmed,” Griffiths explained.

“Many families who relied on Monday-Friday school meal programs are now struggling to fill the void with basic meals, so we’re being flooded with new requests.”

Griffiths, Emily-anne and their team had already surpassed their original goals by delivering over 5,000 backpacks of food every month. Today, they not only provide over 2,400 bags of food, they have increased the number of meals per bag. Essentially, that means they have gone from delivering around 8,700 meals/week to nearly 20,000 – all being delivered to hungry kids. But that’s not the only challenge.

Where the Buddies used to have hundreds of volunteers to do the packing, social distancing means they’re down to a skeleton crew of staff who do everything.

The North Shore Celtic Ensemble thanks you for your continued support. Each donation becomes a gift of music and touches the life of youth in your community. The NSCE’s uplifting performances are the way we can share our love back - with you.

“It’s really hard to see so many people struggling and scary to know that, without Backpack Buddies, some would have nothing,” said Emily-anne.

“But when we see the relief washing over the faces of our recipients, we know that every minute of our effort is worth it.”

Backpack Buddies already delivers 74 weekly bags to North Shore families, but they wonder if there’s a lot more need hidden under the surface.

If you would like to know more about the program, or would like to be involved, please visit backpackbuddies.ca ■

To donate and learn about our upcoming events, go to nsce.ca.

MAY 4 - MAY 10TH IS MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

YOUR HOME FOR THE ARTS ON THE NORTH SHORE

During this unprecedented time of Covid-19, Pathways SMIS has responded to families’ needs in supporting a loved one dealing with a mental illness by expanding its peer to peer support groups to be held once a week via Zoom.

This FREE support group is for family and friends of a loved one dealing with serious mental illness including: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Facilitated by family members who have relatives with serious mental illness and experience with navigating the system, Pathways’ Support Groups help you access the help you need and connect you to community members in similar situations. Held: • SECOND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH @ 7:00 PM • THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH @ 4:00 PM • LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH @ 10:00 AM *PLEASE NOTE, EACH ZOOM SESSION OCCUR ON A MONTHLY BASIS* FOR REGISTRATION AND LOCATION INQUIRY PLEASE CONTACT: VALESKA GAUTHIER 604-926-0856 VALESKA@PATHWAYSSMI.ORG

BE A PART OF THE ART

PHOTO: OLAF STRASSNER

• FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH @ 12:00 PM

While our venue remains closed and performances are on hold, the support of our community is more important than ever.

Please consider making a gift to the KAY MEEK ARTS CENTRE today and your donation will help us sustain our operations and plan new

programming for the time when we can welcome you back to our venue.

KAYMEEK.COM | 604.981.6335 1700 MATHERS AVE | WEST VANCOUVER | LET’S BE SOCIAL

@kaymeekcentre