Event shines light on mental health in the North Okanagan

It was put on by the Vernon branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Executive director Julia Payson said the event was part of Mental Health Week in Canada.

“Today was really about thanking the community for everything we do together,” Payson told Vernon Matters.

Payson said the thanks goes to people they work with, service providers and business owners.

“We’ve seen a cross section of Vernon and the North Okanagan come out to join us. It’s really just a chance to be together and have a burger.”

Payson said they are seeing more people with mental health issues come forward to seek help.

“We have a community that’s really willing to share the message that our mental health is important, and that there is no shame in accessing supports for your mental health.”

Payson said if you broke your arm, you wouldn’t hesitate to go see a doctor.

“And likewise, if our mental health needs support, we shouldn’t hesitate to get help.”

The theme for Mental Health Week is showing compassion with kindness.

“We often don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life, and as we come out of the pandemic, a lot of us may be struggling with different things, so we want to encourage people to reach out to your co-worker, to your family, or yourself. Compassion and kindness can go a long way in helping us get better,” Payson remarked.

by Pete McIntyre

Event shines light on mental health in the North Okanagan

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