Rediscover a Healthier You this Mental Health Week

Get ready to rediscover a healthier you! Mental Health Week is returning, and this year the focus is on empathy and reconnecting with your mental well-being. Community members are encouraged to get involved with local events and learn how developing empathy can strengthen individual well-being and resilience while also supporting others.

The campaign will run from May 2 to May 8. Community members are encouraged to join in on mental health boosting activities including learning sessions and classes to address anxiety and stress, take home kits, and interactive activities around the community. New to this year’s local event is the Stand Up for Mental Health comedy show. Local comedians with lived experience of mental health concerns will take the Heritage Park stage on May 5 at 5:30PM for an evening of laughter, learning, and raising awareness of stigmas surrounding mental illness.

“Planning Mental Health Week was not a solitary task. Parkland County, local clinicians, libraries, the two school divisions, service providers, non-profits, and our Indigenous communities came together to ensure we have events and activities planned that will help all people rediscover their joy and their connections, and give people a chance to release some stress, share some laughter, and boost their mental health,” says Wellness Development Officer Angela Fetch Muzyka. “We have been so grateful to be able to work together on a project we are all passionate about: mental health and helping residents rediscover their resilience.” 

“Mental Health Week is an opportunity for all of us to take time to rediscover our connection with our mental health and well-being, and also learn how we can be there for those who are struggling,” says Mayor William Choy. “Creating a more empathetic community works to increase connectivity. By learning to better understand others, we can foster better systems of community care and create stronger networks of support.”

To learn more about Mental Health Week and register for local activities, visit the Town of Stony Plain website.