Get Loud during Mental Health Week

The old saying is that a picture is worth a thousand words and the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is hoping the community will strike a pose while amping up the volume to Get Loud for Mental Health during their campaign May 2 to 8.

Prince George residents are encouraged to have their photos taken with a positive-message sign stating the importance of keeping a positive mental outlook, and knowing or recognizing mental wellness.

"Get Loud is all about increasing the comfort level and the commitment of people to be willing to be discuss mental health issues with as much ease as they discuss physical health issues," said Maureen Davis, executive director of the Prince George branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. "It's interesting because the public prospectus from the second annual IPSOS mental health check up is just out and we've gone from 31 per cent of comfort to talk about mental health last year to 35 per cent this year. So it's working and that's what Get Loud is all about."

There are many ways to show support including making a personal pledge that's going to increase people's comfort level, increase their willingness to discuss their own mental health issues or be prepared to talk with someone else who is sharing about theirs, added Davis.

"What we're really hoping people will do is get together in groups, have Devon (Flynn from the local P.G. mental health office) come flying out to them with some posters and take a picture and we'll have that put out to social media to get the message out," said Davis. There will also be a #getloud wall of photos at the local mental health association office, she added.

Some of the signs say things like:

"Fact: Approximately eight per cent of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives."

"Fact: Mental illness affects people of all ages, education and income levels and cultures."

"Myth: It's the parents' fault children suffer from mental health problems."

To get community support is the goal during Mental Health Week.

"We just want to celebrate with Prince George that we can reach a place of being able to talk about both mental illness as well as steps to mental health," said Davis.

To organize a photo email Flynn at [email protected] or call 250-564-8644 ext. 209.

For more information about mental health week go online to www.mentalhealthweek.cmha.ca.