In this column, over the past eight years, I have focused almost exclusively on individual mental health. And understandably so, for it is individuals who are directly affected by illness or circumstances that jeopardize mental wellness, individuals who enter the clinical system, and individuals who are counted when statisticians want to paint their mathematical pictures.
Today, I’d like to bring up the idea of community mental health, suggest a few diagnostic measures, and perhaps mention a few remedies.
Here goes.
Are there too many homeless in our community? Check. Are our food banks oversubscribed? Check. Is illegal drug and alcohol use at intolerable levels? Check. Is timely mental health care a scarce commodity? Check. Is mental illness broadly misunderstood? Check. Is government funding insufficient to address needs? Check.
You get the point. These and other indicators suggest a community that cannot yet call itself mentally healthy – that cannot say to itself that it is acting as one to ameliorate social ills.
A community is just the sum of its members, and I think it is arguable that as more individuals make the decision to educate themselves on the issues and to reach an understanding of them, that enlightenment will spread, like a glow, until our community is whole.
Happily, we are showing signs of positive growth as a community, as measured by the increasing number of public events – and participation therein – that deal with social challenges. The large turnout for supported living hearings, for example, is encouraging and means folks are really engaging in issues that matter.
Here are a couple of other upcoming opportunities, dealing with mental health, but with an entertainment twist. Nothing says one can’t learn about something serious and have fun at the same time.
If drama is your thing, then Off the Page is for you. This play-reading series features local actors and scripts by local and Coastal writers. On Oct. 20, Off the Page will feature SRO Hero. This remarkable script – documentary theatre, if you will – was co-written by five people, each either living with or having life experience with mental illness. The script is by turns funny, whimsical, and harrowing. The show starts at 1 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons. Attendance is by donation.
For an evening of fine food, entertainment, and a couple of truly amazing speakers, there is the Ride the Wave of Hope gala, which is in support of the Arrowhead Clubhouse. It takes place Nov. 2 at the Sechelt Seniors’ Activity Centre.
Knowing the organizers as I do, this will be an event like no other; no effort has been spared to create an evening of wonderful food, entertainment, and education. See www.arrowclub.org more information and to buy tickets.
It is worth noting that performances, public meetings, and fundraisers don’t just happen spontaneously. Behind each opportunity to learn about challenges facing our community are volunteers who have a vision and give of themselves to create positive change. Too, there are sponsors – businesses and service clubs – who help make things pop.
The trend is encouraging. More and more, folks are organizing and supporting grassroots events that, with each passing year, bring our community into a state of unity and wholeness.
