Written by Pam Fedack/Chris Sumner on Wednesday, 07 May 2014 for PembinaValleyOnline
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James Friesen
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The executive director of Eden Mental Health Services in Winkler feels the stigma of mental illnesses is lessening. However, James Friesen says the challenge still exists for those dealing with a mental illness to step out of the shadows to seek help.
Nation wide, this is Mental Health Awareness Week.
"When I look from the perspective of the Eden organization we're always looking at better ways and more accessible ways for people to be able to access those services. It takes a lot of courage first of all for a person to acknowledge they need help, and at the point they do need help, are we engaging, are we welcoming, are we open, and do we understand how the system works? We still have a ways to go to make navigation through the healthcare system generally work better," said Friesen.
Friesen says like anything if you try and sweep something under the rug or try and put it off, it generally doesn't get better, and with mental health it's definitely like that. "If you're noticing a change in someone or even in yourself, look for someone to reach out to, whether it's a family member, a friend, your pastor or family doctor, find someone you trust. Start to talk about what you're seeing either in yourself or your loved one."
He adds there all kinds of steps you can take as the first part in getting yourself on track.
Friesen says weeks like this are important to highlight certain parts of what it means to be human, and mental health is a huge part of it. He says Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to celebrate our mental health and think specifically about that part of our being.
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