February 25, 2013
Story by Kerri Robins; Photo by MaryAnn Woodman
Whether it’s a family member, close friend or co-worker, mental illness likely affects all Albertans in some way at some time. Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, race, culture, education or economic status.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, youth are especially vulnerable to a mental illness or disorder and an estimated 10 to 20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected.
The good news is that once the disorder is recognized, 80 per cent of patients receiving care are able to return to regular activities.
Enter Challenge By Choice, a program in which people can gather together in a group-friendly atmosphere with a focus on positive mental health and community functioning.
“The top three disorders most clients in the program suffer from are depression, anxiety and schizophrenia,” says Deanna LeSage, recreation therapist and co-ordinator of the program.
“While the average age of our clients is about 21 years old, the program accepts people aged 16 to 30. The program is very much about the individual and how we can provide the best fit, stay flexible and remove barriers.
“We get to know our clients and that helps us monitor when they are getting well or unwell.”
The sense of community offered through social activity, learning and recreation is invaluable to participants. They meet at a space provided by the downtown Edmonton YMCA and various activities take place throughout the city every weekday afternoon.
While numbers fluctuate, there are currently 60 people in the program.
Suffering through his own illness and challenges, participant Braden Lemieux is proof the program is successful.
“I’ve made friends here and have become a more positive person,” says Lemieux.
Launched in 2009 and supported by The Mental Health Foundation in Edmonton, Challenge By Choice is free, with nominal fees charged for certain activities.
The program’s goal is to help people overcome a number of mental health challenges by involving them in structured social situations in their community. Classes ranging from exercise, art and social skills help participants foster close social relationships and help them overcome feelings of isolation and anxiety.
The program is overseen by trained staff over a variety of disciplines. For example, an occupational therapist and recovery therapist are now part of the Challenge By Choice team.
In addition, participants can take advantage of referrals to a mental health therapist, addiction counsellors, the Food Bank, housing, sexual assault centre and crisis support.
Lindsay Kelly, Chair, Mental Health Foundation in Edmonton is excited about the program.
“Taking charge of one’s life direction is empowering,” says Kelly. “And the program has seen a yearly increase in participants choosing to take the challenge.”
Since its roots, participant feedback is used to develop programming. Social activities are structured similar to what people would experience in their community.
“The program reaches out to those people who can’t cope with school or work and have dropped out,” explains Kelly.
“It teaches resiliency.”
The Mental Health Foundation in Edmonton advocates for a better understanding of mental health and addiction issues. For details, visit www.hopethroughunderstanding.com or call 780-342-6249.
