Feeling stressed, low, anxious? Need support and info?
As the leaves fall, people’s moods can, too. Come autumn, families are in the thick of school and work schedules and stresses. Reduced daylight can affect routines. Also, people affected by the wildfires may be noticing the lingering effects of stress. That’s why it’s an ideal time for the 22nd annual Beyond the Blues: Education & Screening Days, which have helped 93,000 people across BC since 1995.
Held during or near Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 1-7), Beyond the Blues is an annual awareness day to engage people to learn more about mental well-being and mental health problems. There are at least 70 events set up across BC.
The events are free, anonymous, confidential and drop-in. At the event, attendees can take part in fun and engaging activities such as videos, games, presentations, or resource fairs to learn more about stress, mood and anxiety problems, supports and self-care. They can fill out short self-tests on depression, anxiety and risky drinking and talk privately with a clinician about next steps and local resources. They can also fill out a well-being self-test that look at features of good mental health like vitality, social support, healthy thinking, and self-esteem.
To see all 70+ BC events in October and beyond, please visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca/beyond-the-blues