Four free events are being hosted around Richmond to help de-stress in the midst of busy work and school schedules during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Beyond the Blues is an annual awareness day that engages people to learn about mental well-being and mental health problems.
There will be engaging and creative events like stress bingos, emoji activities, colouring and more.
Presentation and resource fairs will also be available for those who want to learn more about stress, mood and anxiety problems, risky drinking and self-care.
“People sometimes think talking about mental health has to be depressing or boring, but it doesn’t,” said Sarah Hamid-Balma, provincial coordinator for Beyond the Blues.
“Beyond the Blues is about prevention, catching problems early and connecting to local help in a fun, friendly and interactive way.”
Barbara Fee, from Pathways Clubhouse, said they wanted to create a safe and engaging space for people to have conversations on how to prevent mental health problems or feel better.
She added that they want attendees to feel empowered, better informed and supported when leaving the events.
Beyond the Blues: Education and Screen Days events in Richmond are among at least 75 others that have been set up across B.C. which have helped 102,000 people across B.C. since 1995.
Richmond Beyond the Blues events:
Music Therapy and Mental Wellness
Learn how music can be used in an intentional and purposeful way to improve mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.
Location:Kids Place Room, Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Date: Thursday, Oct. 10
Hours:7 - 8:30 p.m.
Register here
Understanding Mental Illness (in Mandarin)
A workshop being held to talk about fundamental knowledge of mental illness disorders through basic statistics, symptoms and myths as well as providing a better understanding of what they are.
Location: 2nd Floor, Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Date: Friday, Oct. 11
Hours:10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register here
Mental Wellness and Self-Care
Learn about self-care strategies you can use to help with common mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
Location:2nd Floor, Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Date: Friday, Oct. 11
Hours:1 - 2:30 p.m.
Register here
Film event
Resilience: The biology of stress and the science of hope film followed by a panel discussion on the film and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences.)
For more information, please e-mail: info@supportingfamilies.ca
Location:Ralph Fisher Auditorium, Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Way, Richmond
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16
Hours:7 - 8:30 p.m.
