Suffering in silence

Photo: Contributed

One in five Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime and yet the stigma surrounding the hidden disease is still a critical problem in our country.

This stigma leaves many Canadians suffering in silence and not seeking out the help they need.

In an attempt to change the conversation, The LifeLine Canada (TLC) was created as a positive mental-health-initiative-based foundation.

One of those initiatives is The LifeLine Suicide Prevention and Awareness App; a centralized tool to access and connect with accredited resources.

“The LifeLine App offers immediate access to guidance and support for those suffering in crisis, been affected by suicide and those who have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one from suicide,” explained TLC CEO Liane Weber.

“The LifeLine App also supports the global mental-health crisis and includes international resources for immediate access to guidance and support worldwide.”

Sept. 1 marks the beginning of Suicide Prevention Month in Canada and industry leaders like TLC and Business Finders Canada are coming together to show their support at the second-annual Benefit for Life Day gala on Sept. 9 at the Delta Grand.

“This premiere event will see guests enjoy an extraordinary evening with Executive Chef Arthur Chen's custom-designed hors d'oeuvres, decadent desserts as well as drinks, artistic talents, speakers and a fantastic band of musical all-stars,” said Weber.

The downtown Kelowna Sails will also be lit up in purple from Sept. 9 through to Sept. 10 and again on Oct. 10 for World Mental Health Day.

To mark the occasion, TLC has also received proclamations for Benefit for Life Day from Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, B.C. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and B.C. Premier Christy Clark.

“On this day we will also announce the new partnership and start of The Pets for Veterans program in B.C. and Alberta,” said Weber.

“Companion Paws Canada will be TLC's newest initiative for positive mental health, supporting Canada's veterans, first responders and seniors in need while providing a second chance for pets.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept.10, the community is also being asked to show their solidarity with the “Leave Your Light On” campaign. This encourages residents to leave their exterior lights on between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. in honour of those who are struggling, loved ones who have been lost or who have been saved and for grieving family, friends and communities.

To keep the momentum and positive conversation going past Sept. 30, a 30-day mental-health focused foodie event will kick off.

Starting on Oct. 1, Kelowna restaurants will bring the conversations of positive mental health to the forefront.

TLC’s ”Food For Thought” initiative is set to bring 30 top Kelowna Restaurants together in support of suicide prevention.

“Food for Thought is a program by TLC, and sponsored by Business Finders Canada, bringing Kelowna restaurants together to raise public awareness and to break the stigma of suicide and depression,” said Weber.

One restaurant chef per day will design multiple-course meals while using ingredients proven to be a positive influence on mental health. You'll be able to follow along on Castanet to see each day's featured restaurant, chef and recipes.

“To stimulate conversations about positive mental health and its connection to food, one local restaurant per day will feature menu items with positive mood-boosting ingredients while Castanet will profile in a video series, the restaurant of the day, the chef, the menu items and its benefits,” added Weber.

If you wish to contact The LifeLine Canada Foundation regarding Food for Thought or Companion Paws Canada, please contact Liane Weber at [email protected].

For information on Benefit for Life Day Gala please visit www.TheLifeLineCanada.ca