By Jaime Bayers
Mental health has become a well deserved hot-topic, with countless studies and programs to help us all better understand and treat mental illness and promote mental wellness. While there have been considerable improvements, even in rural areas, there is still something to be said about how it feels to be on the Shore and living with mental illness
A community member who struggles with anxiety told the Cooperator about their experiences 4 years ago, in high school, on the Shore. “I don’t believe the Shore acknowledged mental illness. Everyone acted like it [mental illness] wasn’t real. The teachers didn’t seem to care about it or they made you uncomfortable,” they said. “I don’t know of any programs, if there are some, they weren’t advertised well. …I think we need a more accepting community to this type of issue before anyone makes progress.”
Despite the reported challenges from four years ago, current ESDH students report having more resources for mental health in school, as well as a more comfortable school environment. “I felt like there were people I could talk to, certain teachers helped me a lot,” a student currently struggling with mental illness said. “They really seemed to listen and be aware of things I was going through.” A friend, a student without mental illness, added, “I thought there was a lot of awareness. We had a whole mental health day where there weren’t classes, just a day about mental health. It was really helpful, even for someone like me who isn’t struggling like that.”
Not only are mental wellness resources more available in schools, but they are also accessible within the community. Anita Carter-Rose from Eastern Shore Mental Health discussed the programs they offer. “ESMH serves primarily Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley,” Carter-Rose said. “Most programs are offered between October and May. We mostly focus on peer support that promotes self-care, and creative coping techniques. Though most people in programs are adults, we are actively engaged with Eastern Shore District High; the staff there provides excellent support. There are circumstances that allow for one-on-one meetings, and we also provide up to three paid sessions with a registered NS social worker for people who may be in crisis. There have also been private grief sessions made for those who may be struggling to move forward with their grief.”
For more information on ESMH and their program go to their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/245721602063/about/
