[New] Mental Health & Wellness Symposium

Angela Mouly Reporter

The Vermilion Mental Health & Wellness Committee hosted 118 people during their annual Mental Health & Wellness Symposium at the Vermilion Regional Centre on January 18.

Throughout the day, attendees learned to keep healthy boundaries, signs and symptoms of mental illness and addiction, and tips for staying grounded and using positive psychology.

Line Marie Perron from Imagine Institute for Learning said, “When we set boundaries, we practice self-care and self-respect, communicate your needs in a relationship, make time and space for positive interactions, and set limits in a way that is healthy.”

Attendee, Noreen Metz from Killam Victim Services said, “Anything we can use to educate ourselves on mental health is so important; whether to help those we serve, or assist ourselves in this role to make sure we are in a good space too. People in helping roles have skewed boundaries. I almost didn’t come because I have so much on my plate, but I’m very glad I did and it was a good refresher.”

This was Julien Quickstad’s first in person speaking engagement, and had instantly received positive reviews. Quickstad grew up in Clandonald, lived in Lloydminster, and is now attending schooling in Toronto. He shared a firsthand experience regarding his personal journey and struggles with addictions, trauma and mental health.

“The gentleman that spoke had a beautiful light, and shared that men can be in domes tic violence or experience sexual assault as well. He also shared the differences of mental health and addiction issues presenting in men and women. I was astonished by the statis tic that there is only a 5-10 per cent success rate for Alcoholics Anonymous. It was very brave and courageous to step forward and tell his story. You have to come from a place of vulnerability to surpass the stigma and break that barrier of how men should present in rural Alberta,” said Metz.

She appreciated her discussion on trauma with first responders at her table because they shared self-care tips they use for themselves and others. For example she said, they simply practice carrying water with them in case they or anyone they come across is panicking, speak to ourselves the most. Paying attention to what we hang onto is important. Notice how you feel when you use certain narratives; saying ‘I am busy,’ versus, ‘I have a full schedule.’”

She noted they both thought the day was a success as everyone seemed very engaged.

Lorelee Marin, health promotion facilitator with AHS said, “On behalf of the committee, thank you for taking the time to gather, learn, and connect. We are rich with resources; find

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Memorial

Card Of Thanks

Bill, Darcy & Nicole, Tracy & Glen and families wish to extend sincere appreciation and a heartfelt thank you to family, friends and neighbours for your love and comfort, words of encouragement, prayers, sympathy cards, owers, phone calls, text messages, emails, and donations to our charities.

Thanks to Candice and sta of Re ections Funeral Home for your compassion and guidance while making the arrangements for Phyllis. You handled all arrangements with professionalism patience and the utmost attention to detail.

A very special thanks to Candice for o ciating Phyllis’s beautiful service. Candice we know you went above and beyond and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you to Father Roman for o ciating the graveside service.

Thank you to the nurses at the Acute Care in the vermilion health care centre who provided Phyllis with great care and compassion.

Thank you to Sharon Jaremco for providing the lovely dinner after Phyllis’s service.

Dawn Hames Columnist

Kabocha squash is also called Japanese pumpkin. It grows locally, and can be found in prairie grocery stores during the winter. It is often a green squash, with a few bumps. You may have seen it, but were unsure of what to do with it. It tastes sweeter than pumpkin. The texture is slightly dry, therefore steaming it in the oven with water on a cookie sheet, brings out its full potential for creamy goodness. Kabocha is full of vitamin A and packed with nutrients that are known to help prevent diabe -