THUNDER BAY – Thousands of Canadians from all walks of life are learning, reflecting and getting loud in an effort to stop the discrimination and stigma behind mental health.
The Thunder Bay community and its emergency service workers have teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association to help kick off the 66th annual Mental Health Week.
Members of the police, fire, and emergency medical services helped get the ball rolling on Monday morning at Marina Park.
Using the hashtag #GETLOUD, the service workers are attempting to bring awareness and help fight the stigma in the community this week.
“We feel that it’s very important for ourselves and the community to focus on wellness overall,” said the Chief of EMS Wayne Gates. “We deal with people in crises all the time, so we really want to try and change people’s views and help people.”
As a symbolic measure, service workers have dyed their shirts green to promote healthiness and wellness. Workers have also pinned on a green ribbon, to flip the script on the meaning.
“In the 1800s, people that were labelled criminally insane were forced to wear a green ribbon,” explains Const. Mike Tomasevic. “As opposed to people being labelled, and being forced to wear this, everyone together as a group is doing it.”
Monday’s photo-op is the beginning of a week filled with initiatives taking place in the city
At 10 p.m., LED headlights will project #shinegreen in a green light onto the Thunder Bay Police Service's Balmoral Street headquarters.
The police station will also hold a dress down day where workers are encouraged to wear green and donate to the CHMA, and first responders will have the opportunity to participate in a yoga session on Wednesday night.
Tomasevic, who is also the peer support co-ordinator for Thunder Bay Police, said that the benefits of yoga in regards to mental health are enormous.
“If you can take just one hour out of your day, especially in a stress-filled day, the benefits can be enormous,” Tomasevic said.
"For me, I know I can be a better husband if I get the chance to really focus on my mental wellness.”
Workers will also get to enjoy a green-iced persian and mental-health coffee break courtesy of the Senior Officers Association on Thursday.
Finally, school-resource and Aboriginal-unit officers will attend schools to promote mental health on Friday, including St. Ignatius High School, which on Friday will hold a green dress-down day.
“We have a week full of stuff around the city that we’re very excited for,” Tomasevic.said.
