We are very open about mental health in our home and often have conversations around this. I've shared a lot on social media about our personal journey in our family and provided resources for those who may be needing them. I am not an expert by any means, but have experience with children who battle anxiety and who have struggled with academics at school, not only as a parent but also as a teacher. I believe it's important to normalize mental health, which is why I share about it. I also believe it's important to talk about learning difficulties because the majority of people at some point in their life will find something challenging and this is absolutely normal. No one should ever feel ashamed about this. Below are some resources I've shared over the years. Some of these we have personally used, others I have heard great things about.
If you know anyone who struggles with eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and/or unhealthy exercise habits please share about Soulfull Meetings with them.
A note from the founder, Sarah Howe:
“Soulfull Meetings is a community of likeminded individuals who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and/or unhealthy exercise habits. We meet every Thursday evening for one hour to offer each other support. Prior to COVID-19, we were meeting in person, but have since moved to an online format. Our group currently consists of women between the ages of 17-45. We are very open to welcoming men into the group as well, but have not seen any interest as of yet.
Learn more by visiting their websites below
Robyn Priest LIVE YOUR TRUTH, is a mental health and peer support education and strategy firm. All programs are designed and delivered by people with their own experience of living with a mental health issue or a family member of someone living with a mental health issue.
If your child is experiencing challenges academically or socially and you want some answers (possibly a diagnosis or simply to better understand how their brain works) you can get a Psychoeducational Assessment. We have done this with two of our children and have found them extremely helpful. Dr Garry Hawryluk & Affiliates performed the assessments for us through Edgeland Clinic. You can discuss this with your children’s school and also with your pediatrician. If you’re on a waiting list at your child's school, just know they may never be assessed. Only children with evident needs get seen through the system, this is why we decided to go private. We knew our children would never get off that waiting list.
You can contact Edgeland Clinic at (204) 415-5377. You may need a referral from your physician or school. You can push your physician for the referral.
Peace of Mind Therapy is where we do Equine Therapy with our child. Other therapy services are also available on their site.
Manitoba Mood Disorders are also offering free resources and support to members of our community. Find out more about it on their site.