Local Conference Focuses On Mental Health

The District Peer Support Program is holding their 15th Annual Consumer and Family Conference tomorrow at the Best Western in Dryden.
Organizer Maria Coleman says 150-people are expected to attend, which is their full capacity. They include those living with a mental health illness, their families members and consumers from across the Kenora-Rainy River District. The conference usually switches back and forth between Kenora and Dryden.
Coleman says the purpose of the conference is so people living with a mental health illness can interact with others from across the district, as well as provide some concrete education and support to help them deal with mental illness.
The theme of the conference this year is “Seasons of Change”, and Coleman says they will talk about how change affects everyone’s mental health, whether they have a mental illness or not. For example, this includes a death in the family, divorce, menopause, moving, or a new job.
There will be many therapeutic workshops, which promote awareness, hope and recovery. Health officials will also be on hand, focusing on topics like breast and colon cancer screening, sexual health and healthy eating.
The conference is part of the Canadian Mental Health Association.