Carmen Ledding with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Rosetown branch is proud to work with prairie people. Everyone needs mental health support, and while some don't seek it out, Ledding can see why being the resilient bunch we are here in Saskatchewan.

"Where we are people have taken pride for years, you know living out on the prairies and being resilient. A lot of people feel that they need to try and do things on their own, but it means there is a lot of pride, and a lot of 'I don't want to admit I am struggling. If I admit I am struggling I am not strong.'"

Last night in Eston there was a special meeting held for anyone interested in learning more about the signs and symptoms of depression. Eston's Matthew Toner helped spearhead the discussion as part of the local Eston and District Health Committee.

Before going into the lesson at large that was presented to just over 20 attendees yesterday in Eston, Ledding spoke about some of the specific support topics they cover that people in the area might want to seek out last week in a phone conversation with West Central Online.

The event was held at the Eston Arena, also being organized by the Eston local Toner. Just laying out the different topics that can be covered gives the CMHA team a good opportunity to see if a person needs services from Hope Learning Centre directly. Something they are more than willing to provide with a litany of options available.

"We have a ton of new classes on specifics, like anxiety for instance. Challenging procrastination, female empowerment. On body image, and building better boundaries, which is honestly a game changer for people who have for instance in the past had struggled with broken relationships. Had issues with addiction," she said, continuing on to say that symptoms could already be exacerbated by not properly treating one's mental health, "All of these are honestly game changers for people who have been struggling long term."

Some people might not even be aware that these supports are available so close to home. Some people may be too afraid to check them out.

The now passed event, that Ledding hopes to present again many times in the future, is a major step forward for West Central.

"I think it was a great introduction for many people to learn about mental health and what resources are available locally and virtually to support whether it is you or someone you love who needs help." stated Ledding in an emailed response following last night's meeting, "We hope it will inspire additional presentations and encourage people to talk about mental health with their families and community; and grow interest in other SK HOPE Learning Centre courses to support them."

The very honest and open conversation was centered around people in rural areas. The main goal is always to remove the stigma from mental health, because until then the majority of people may not feel comfortable to reach out.

"It impacts your ability to care for yourself. Your ability to have healthy relationships. Your ability to work and go to school, and so we're really trying to get people talking about it so that they're more comfortable reaching out when they need help."

People who attended the event were likely relieved to have it not feel like a therapy session, as a pizza supper was on to try and help keep the atmosphere friendly and free of pressure.

A separate focus was to be put on people suffering in the agriculture sector, but Ledding explains the committee figured it would be better to save that topic for later.

"The Committee, they are interested in that, but they really are interested in, in getting people talking about depression just as an entry level health care health."

In speaking with the member of the local Health Committee Toner, he said opening up the meeting to a wide scope of people and not just farmers was a way to deter the average resident who doesn't work on a farm from thinking they weren't welcome to the wellness meeting.

Both Toner and Ledding were encouraged by the amount of people who showed up, and had a special shoutout as to why.

"We would like to extend a huge thanks to the Eston Coop for providing the meal free of charge last night. That definitely helped attract a greater number of people than we otherwise would have."

More content can be expected with the Canadian Mental Health Association out of Rosetown, as Ledding is doing her best everyday to improve the mental health landscape in the immediate area, and Toner helps share the message to people around West Central.