Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna

We are so excited for our friends at KGH Foundation! The launch of their new podcast, (w)healthy, demonstrates yet another way the team is creating opportunities to learn, explore, and forge a deeper understanding of health and wellness.

Sharing extensive knowledge and compelling storytelling from incredible guests, their podcast aims to empower and inspire people to live their "(w)healthiest" lives.

Congratulations, Shauna Nyrose, Allison Young, and the entire team on today's launch of your first episode. We can't wait to tune in!

(w)healthy Podcast | KGH Foundation Welcome to (w)healthy! The who, what, when, where and why of all things health, hosted by Shauna Nyrose of the KGH Foundation.

Not all wounds are visible. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a hidden struggle many face. PTSD stems from exposure to intense trauma like the threat of death, serious injury, or sexual violence. If you need support or want to support someone else, reach out and learn more about ways to help:

https://www.cmhakelowna.com/mental-health/learn-about-mental-illness

Together, we can raise awareness and show compassion for ourselves and others.

June marks National Indigenous History Month, and within it, National Indigenous Peoples Day: a reminder to center, amplify, and celebrate the stories, accomplishments, and voices of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. Join in supporting, listening, and sharing Indigenous voices, this month and always. ⁠
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Wow! The numbers are in - and they are incredible!

Together with the generosity of our sponsors, the valiant efforts of our fundraisers, and the truly remarkable energy put forth by enthusiastic participants and dedicated volunteers, you raised more than $209,000 in support of CMHA Kelowna - surpassing our goal of $150,000 and setting a new record for both funds raised and participants registered!

Our deepest, most sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who showed up and showed their support. This event would not be possible without the support of our community. To our participants, sponsors, volunteers, and donors, we thank you.

Shelagh Turner, former CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kelowna, was recently named Honorary Fellow by Okanagan College.

Shelagh’s vison and integrity, coupled with her determination, innovative approach, and determination to make both our community and the world a better place is awe-inspiring. She has left an indelible mark on this community, and her commitment and efforts continue to help so many.

The highest award granted by OC, Honorary Fellow recognizes distinguished achievement or service, with recipients representing a broad spectrum of regional, provincial, national and international contributions.

From everyone at CMHA Kelowna, congratulations to Shelagh on this honor! Thank you for a legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication to a mentally healthy community.

Okanagan College names Honorary Fellow for 2024 – Shelagh Turner, former CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna - Campus Life Okanagan College is recognizing a well-known and respected community leader at its graduation celebrations this week, for her role in transforming mental health services locally and positively impacting the lives of thousands of others through the region.Shelagh....

Thank you to all the bike shops and services that keep us rolling! Their generosity helps to make this event a success, and their pre-and-post ride support ensures our riders stay safe!

➡️ Prizes and event day support by !
➡️ Pre-ride and on-route on-call support by Sun Valley Cycle Repair!
➡️ Event day support from !
➡️ Prizes from !
➡️ Package pick-up hosting and event day support from - plus, they've got a team that's crushing its fundraising goals!

We love to see all these bike businesses working together to support the community. Be sure to check them out for all your pre-Ride Don't Hide needs!

Register today: https://cmha.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=732

May 24 is Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness. It causes people to lose touch with reality and sometimes makes it difficult for them to think and speak in an organized way. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of Canadians—that’s about 40,000 people in British Columbia. It is an often-misunderstood mental illness; with the right resources and supports, it can be managed.

To learn more, visit the link in bio.

📢 The Aid Station with a view returns for this year's Ride Don't Hide - The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride, courtesy of Farming Karma!

Riders on the 50km and 100km routes will challenge themselves on the climb to Farming Karma, where their efforts will be rewarded with delicious locally-produced fruit drinks, snacks, next-level enthusiasm from our cheer volunteers -and one of the most incredible views of Kelowna.

We had a chance to talk to the wonderful folks at Farming Karma about their commitment to community through support of CMHA Kelowna. Stay tuned for the reel, debuting later this week!

Registration is open and filling up fast. To learn more, register, or donate to your favourite team, visit CMHAKelowna.com/Ride2024

The CMHA Kelowna main office will be closed on Monday, May 20. We wish you a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

We will re-open at 9am on Tuesday, May 21.

If you are in need of immediate assistance, help is available:

Emergency - 911
Su***de & Mental Health Crisis Line - 988
Talk Su***de - 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
Mental Health & Substance Use Support - 310-6478

With CMHA Kelowna's - The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride only a few weeks away, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of physical activity for mental health.

Research has shown that physical activity may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, while providing an overall mood boost and improving sleep. Physical activity is a powerful stress management tool and provides an avenue for increased social connection.

Why not join us - and hundreds of others from the community - as we get moving for mental health on June 9th?

To learn more, visit: CMHAKelowna.com/Ride2024

Compassion is the practice of meeting suffering – whether our own or the suffering of others – with kindness. Join us for as we explore how us all. www.mentalhealthweek.ca

We could all use a little more compassion, whether it’s at work, at school or in our day-to-day lives. See our resources on how to integrate compassion in your community at https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/toolkits/

We could all use a little more compassion, whether it’s at work, at school or in our day-to-day lives. See our resources on how to integrate compassion in your community at https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/toolkits/

This year’s is all about compassion. Compassion is the practice of meeting suffering – whether our own or the suffering of others – with kindness. Join the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna in a conversation about how us all, May 6-12.

Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca to download the toolkit in preparation of .

Healthy workplaces, healthy minds.

As we mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28th, let's uphold our commitment to workplace well-being every single day. Let's create and maintain environments that prioritize the health and safety of all employees, including their psychological well-being. Remember, a healthy workplace is a productive and thriving one.

Learn about fostering a healthy work environment at the link in bio.
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The dedication, hard work, and resulting positive impact of volunteers is critical across the non-profit sector. The commitment of these individuals truly makes a tremendous difference - locally, nationally, and across the globe.

We are incredibly grateful for those who have been generous with their time and energy in support of CMHA Kelowna's vision of a mentally healthy community. Thank you for all that you do to support our mission and make a positive impact in the mental health and wellness of our community.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit https://www.cmhakelowna.com/get-involved/volunteer

This , join us in sharing a big thank-you to the amazing volunteers for their time and commitment in supporting .

From the peer supporters who answer calls for Care to Speak, to the information and referral support volunteers who provide help with navigation: your dedication makes a significant impact, and we're grateful for all that you do.

CMHA Kelowna's offices will be closed on Friday, March 29 in observance of the statutory holiday. We hope you enjoy the Easter long weekend and embrace the early spring sunshine forecasted! 🌷

Help is still available. If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis and require immediate assistance, please call:
Emergency: 911
Mental Health & Su***de Crisis Line: 988
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
KUU-US Crisis Line: 250-723-4050 (Adults) 250-723-2040 (Youth)

March 18 - 24 is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. It's a time to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals, to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, s and foster a more inclusive and equitable world that supports every individual.

Learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week at

Neurodiversity Celebration Week Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to bring about worldwide neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in schools and workplaces.

Introducing "Knowledge is Power" - an educational webinar series presented by Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna and Discovery College. Through insightful, thought-provoking conversations with leading mental health experts, Knowledge is Power aims to change the way our community talks about mental health by providing free access to quality educational content.

On March 15th, join us virtually for a webinar that explores the intersections between mental health, culture and workplaces with special guest, Dr. Lawrence J. Kirmayer, MD.

As we continue to increase our understanding of inclusive practices and psychological safety, what do we need to know? Does creating a psychologically safe workplace look the same for everyone? From destigmatizing mental health discussions to implementing effective support systems, what can organizations do to produce prioritize employee well-being in increasingly diverse workplaces?

To learn more and register, visit: https://www.discoverycollegekelowna.com/courses-workshops/knowledge-is-power-ep1

March marks the 11th annual Okanagan Embrace Aging Month!

Join CMHA Kelowna for a presentation aimed to shed light on the importance of nurturing mental health in seniors, and the role of family members, caregivers, and communities. The workshop will cover common mental health challenges faced by seniors, as well as strategies for promoting mental well-being, including social engagement, cognitive exercises, and access to mental health resources.

When: Friday, March 8th from 2:00pm-3:00pm
Where: CMHA Kelowna's Wellness Development Centre, 504 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna BC

To learn more and register, please visit: https://www.okanaganembraceaging.com/

You've waited all week long for it - Part 2 of What Really Works? Social Media & Mental Health is out now!

Tune in to hear hosts, Beki and Olivia, talk about why so many of us reach for social media without really thinking about it, and explore the science behind why our brains enjoy the novelty of what social media platforms provide.

Listen on all major streaming platforms today!

📲 Curious about your own social media use and how it might affect your mental health? Why not sign up for the free, self-paced Discovery College course, "Social Media & Mental Health"! Just click "Courses" on the Discovery College Kelowna website.

https://www.discoverycollegekelowna.com/podcast

Registration is now open for the upcoming public lecture about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The lecture will take place in Vancouver on Thursday, February 29th from 6:30-8:30pm. A virtual option will be available for those wishing to attend but unable to do so in person.

Join this panel of experts to learn about OCD in youth, best treatment approaches, and the journey to recovery.

Register now at bcchr.ca/POP or click the link in our stories.

Those interested in virtual attendance are asked to register via email: [email protected]

Originally posted on .

https://bcchr.ca/POP

Pediatric OCD and Psychiatry (POP) Research Program | BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Our program aims to improve the lives of children and families affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in British Columbia by providing assessments and group-based treatment approaches.

We are extremely grateful to once again partner with Kelowna Rockets for Talk Today, an initiative that highlights mental health in athletes and provides education and support to hockey players, coaching staff, and families.

Join us this evening in cheering on our Kelowna Rockets!

Plus, don't forget to grab your pucks for the Puck Toss for Mental Health, proudly supported by Sunshine Leisurescapes - shoot your shot at great prizes in support of CMHA Kelowna!

Rockets at home for mental health awareness game on Friday The Rockets are at home this weekend as they host the Vancouver Giants on Friday and the Prince George Cougars on Saturday. For Friday&rs...

The CMHA Kelowna and Foundry Kelowna offices will be closed on Monday, February 19 in celebration of the Family Day stat holiday.

We will re-open at 9am on Tuesday, February 20.

We wish you a fun, safe BC Family Day long weekend with family and friends!

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If you require immediate assistance, please contact:
Emergency - 911
Su***de & Mental Health Crisis Line - 988
KUU-US Crisis Line - 250-723-4050
Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you frequently use social media. And why not? Social media is a powerful too that can keep us connected, help us learn new things, and provide an outlet for our creativity. However, it can also present some challenges - like comparing ourselves to others, "doomscrolling", and more.

That's why the team at Discovery College launched our latest course - Social Media & Mental Health! This free, on-demand course is designed to help you better understand your relationship with social media and how it can impact your mental health.

Sign up today at DiscoveryCollegeKelowna.com!

💪The Push-Up Challenge starts tomorrow! From February 1 - 23, join people all across Canada and get moving for mental health.

From February 1 to 23, you'll challenge yourself to complete 2,000 push-ups or alternate exercises - representing the 20% of Canadians who will experience a mental illness each year. Once registered, you'll receive daily targets to help keep you motivated, and mental health tips that can help strengthen your mind while flexing those muscles.

Registration and participation is free! However, if you choose to fundraise, all money raised will go to directly to support Canadian Mental Health Association in your community.

To learn more and register in support of CMHA Kelowna, visit https://www.thepushupchallenge.ca/beneficiary/cmha-british-columbia---kelowna

*To check out the alternate exercise guides, head over to https://www.thepushupchallenge.ca/resources/useful-resources

"Mental Health" and "Mental Illness" are terms we often hear in conversation or see in the media, but the two are not interchangeable. "Mental Health" refers to a state of well-being that we all have. While we may sometimes feel down, upset, or experience feelings like stress, anxiety, or sadness, this does not mean that we have a mental illness.

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"Mental Illness" refers to health problems that affect the way we think about ourselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around us. Mental illness affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Mental illness can disrupt a person's life or create challenges, but with the right support a person can get back on a path to recovery and wellness.

To learn more about managing mental health - and steps to take if you are concerned about mental illness in yourself or someone you love - visit https://cmhakelowna.com/mental-health/