It's getting to the time of year where winter blues hit their peak.
Many people's moods become affected when the winter hits, only to be heightened when the holidays hit, and the Canadian Mental Health Association branch in Rosetown has a special presentation going on Thursday to help curb any thoughts related to loneliness.
Poster via Carmen Ledding, CMHA RosetownProgram director Carmen Ledding reached out to WestCentralOnline to share this fantastic opportunity. It's a topic Ledding is familiar with presenting, and is perfect for this time of year.
"I chose the topic of loneliness because it is one that comes up every winter, for a lot of different people." began Ledding, as the presentation is modeled after one of the mental health worker's virtual courses 'Loneliness and Isolation' developed by CMHA Winnipeg.
"The title of the presentation that we are doing, I chose 'In the Bleak Mid-Winter', because that is actually a Christmas carol, and in the very beginning it paints a winter landscape." explained Ledding. "It says 'In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan'."
Ledding knows that for everyone person associating Christmas-time with sledding, hot chocolate, and overall good times; there are just as many people that see the start of December as a very trying time. When things are feeling bleak, the holidays might enhance an already perceived state of loneliness.
"This particular presentation talks about the difference that perspective makes," said Ledding. "It talks about the difference between loneliness, versus isolation, versus solitude."
Ledding believes many people concede to the stigma of loneliness, or even grief when the feelings begin to swirl. Thursday's presentation will be centered around putting things into perspective and realizing when your in a hole, and most importantly how to get out.
"This conversation talks about all of that. How your perspective of it all changes that feeling of loneliness, versus isolation."
Part of the discussion will also revolve around how these factors can impact your overall physical and mental health.
"In different parts of the world, there are actually ministers of loneliness, like in Japan for instance." shared Ledding. "This is an actual major, social, thing that impacts all communities. It really does impact your cognition, your ability to take care of yourself, if you don't have family or friends nearby."
Ledding's presentation will finish with a collection of resources related to the topic at hand. Many local programs provide the opportunity to both socialize and exercise, and people in need may not even know they exist in a smaller community like Rosetown.
"For people who may want to get back into the social game, and find new friends to engage with."
CMHA Rosetown Program Director Carmen Ledding Ledding has the local catholic women's league to thank for the opportunity to present live at St Theresa's Catholic Church. The auditorium setting will be a little different than her usual small classroom, or virtual atmosphere.
Even though the women's group is involved, and the talk is taking place at a local church, Ledding wants to stress that everyone is welcome to attend.
"This particular presentation doesn't have a religious affiliation with it. And we also want to make sure that men, and women are included," said Ledding on the hopefully interactive experience. "All of our presentations we try to include ways for people to interact and engage, and join into the discussion. It's not a lecture, we are all learning alongside each other and talking about, 'hey, how do I feel about this?'"
The 10:00 AM presentation is a great way for anyone beginning to fall into the winter blues, to try and snap out of it. The topic women's mental health is usually a little easier broached than men's mental health, though the final day of 'Movember' presents a great chance for one more talk.
Winter blues might be striking extra hard as we near the start of December. Colder temperatures are helping bring in the final day of November, and Thursday's talk will be a great way to set up for a season of success.
Guests at St. Theresa's can expect a full spread, and anyone needing wheelchair accessibility will have access to an elevator.
Tue, May 14, 7:00 PM
