By Julianna Hindemith, Silver Linings volunteer
Bell’s Let’s Talk Day is on January 29th this year. This high profile campaign is now 10 years old and, importantly, involves a nation-wide call to raise awareness of mental illness and reduce stigma. It continues to be a highly-relevant campaign because no one is immune to mental health issues, and the wider the doors of discussion are opened the more likely it is that support will be accessed.
In any given year, approximately 1 in 5 Canadians will face a form of mental illness. Communication campaigns like Let’s Talk Day are shifting and enhancing our conversations about mental health, but the shadow of stigma still lingers. I love how Let’s Talk Day rallies Canadians around stigma-reduction because every effort creates more and more momentum.
For eating disorders specifically, this time of year is also peak campaign time! National Eating Disorders Awareness Week kicks off in Calgary next week, on Friday, January 31, with daily events planned up to and including February 7.
Please visit Eating Disorder Awareness Week on the Silver Linings website and see the event listing below to learn more about all of the inspiring and informative events happening all week long and how to take part! In closing, from reflecting on the next couple of weeks and the bright spotlight that will be shone on supporting one another through mental illness, I wrote this short letter to a loved one who is currently going through a tough time.
Dear ________,
I know the pain you feel as I have also felt this low before. If I could wear this hurt for you I wouldn't think twice. This road is never easy but you will soon see better days and, we are always stronger on the other side. Right now you have to face yourself despite how hard that is. Avoiding the mirror won’t eliminate the difficult changes you are facing. And living in your head only distorts reality. I know that it is hard to rationalize right now because your mind is elsewhere, your soul is suffering, and the tears won’t stop. So take a breath and when the tears dry up, I will be waiting for you with open arms. You are a fighter. You are heard. You are loved. And most of all, you will be okay.
Love,
Julianna
Source:https://cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) 2020, Calgary Events
Friday, January 31:1
1:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Launch of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2020, in the City Hall Atrium, beginning with a Mindful Meal. We often race through eating like a pit crew trying to get back in the race. Join us for an opportunity to slow down and experience a meal in a mindful and deliberate way. Then, starting at noon, Mayor Nenshi, Silver Linings Foundation and the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) will launch Calgary’s EDAW 2020. For more information, please contact colleen.hauck@silverliningsfoundation.ca.
Saturday, February 1:
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Body Image Workshop for all ages, at the YW Hub Facility. Interested in getting along better with your body? Please join this interactive session to discuss and move toward a healthier body image. Register by clicking on this Eventbrite link, https://bit.ly/2NrPMId
Evening. Lighting of Calgary Landmarks. Watch for the Calgary Tower, Olympic Plaza, Reconciliation Bridge, Arts Commons, Glenbow Museum and Telus Spark to all be vivid purple on the evening of February 1, in recognition of EDAW and all in the community who are impacted by eating disorders. Please share your landmarks selfies with us @SilverLiningsAB, #ShowUsYourPurple
Sunday, February 2:
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Community Yoga Class at Southcentre Mall Centre Court. Please join us for this inspiring, community-building yoga event led by @dopeame’s amazing, Marin McCue and generously sponsored by @southcentremall. Click here https://bit.ly/2tVpJm2 to register before all spots are taken! Tickets are $25 with all proceeds going towards future Eating Disorders Awareness Week initiatives. For more information, please contact kristin.pletch@silverliningsfoundation.ca. *Please note the revised 11 a.m. start time of this event. #activeforawareness
Monday, February 3:
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Panel Discussion at the Calgary Central Library. The University of Calgary EDAW Planning Group, in partnership with the Mathison Centre and the Calgary Central Library, will be screening the documentary "Straight/Curve." Following the documentary will be a panel discussion with eating disorder professionals and those with lived eating disorder experience. This event is free but please right-click and register here, https://www.silverliningsfoundation.ca/community/edaw For more information, please contact jessica_sauerwein@live.ca
Tuesday, February 4:
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eating Disorders Information Booth at Mount Royal, “Main Street.” We are talking about Eating Disorders and Body Image to students from the MRU campus. Come down to learn more about Eating disorders, mental health and available supports. For more information, please contact Fatima Dhooma at fdhooma@mtroyal.ca
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. “Lifted Up”, Prayer Event at Parkdale Grace Fellowship Church. This special Christian gathering will involve prayer, music and fellowship all in support of eating disorders. Free event. For more information and to R.S.V.P., please contact Sarah Higgins at fednutritionconsulting@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 5:
3 p.m. Panel Discussion at the Riddell Library & Learning Centre (Ideas Lounge), hosted by Mount Royal University. We will be screening a documentary about eating disorders, followed by a panel discussion with experts and allies of individuals who have experienced eating disorders. Free event. For more information, please contact Fatima Dhooma at fdhooma@mtroyal.ca
Friday, February 7:
9:30 am - 10:30 am - Overeater's Anonymous Open Meeting at St Luke’s Parish. For all types of disordered eating, this is a special Eating Disorders Awareness Week meeting that anyone is welcome to attend to find out what OA is all about/how we can support ED recovery. For more information, please contact 403-612-1301. *Please note: This is not an endorsement of the OA support group model but rather, part of a comprehensive listing of all Calgary EDAW 2020-related initiatives.
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. “Evening of Hope” at The Village, Brentwood. Dr. Angela Grace and the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta (EDSNA) have curated an all ages evening of stories of healing as told through art, music, dance and spoken word. The Silent Auction and Market Collective start at 6 p.m., while performances start at 7 p.m. Tickets required. Please purchase through the event listing here, www.silverliningsfoundation.ca/community/edaw
