January 10 – The YMCA celebrates the Public Health Agency of Canada for its investment of $6.9 million in funding to expand the Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs to communities across Canada.
YMCA Calgary was pleased to be one of the first associations to pilot Y Mind outside of British Columbia where the program was created. “YMCA Calgary is proud to offer the Y Mind program to Alberta’s youth” says YMCA Calgary President and CEO, Shannon Doram. “We are grateful for the generous funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada to help increase the programs reach.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that one in five Canadians will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in their lifetime – anxiety and depression are the most prevalent.
Y Mind uses a preventative approach to dealing with mild to moderate stress and anxiety and teaches techniques based in Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). During the Y Mind program, participants aged 13 to 30 learn how the stress response works, why the human brain and body react this way, and are also provided with practical tools and strategies to move through the physical and psychological discomfort without disengaging from life.
We believe youth who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety deserve access to early intervention mental health programs at no cost, no diagnosis and no referral – Y Mind is available at a community level and through school partnerships, like with Crescent Heights High School in Calgary. “We can see the need for more youth programs like Y Mind in our communities and believe that in partnering with schools we can help youth earlier than if we left it up to them to seek us out” says Kaia Kjar, General Manager Health Programs, YMCA Calgary.
YMCAs have a dedication to building healthy communities through the power of belonging. Young people attending Y Mind report connecting with their peers and seeing they aren't alone in their experience of anxiety as a key impact of Y Mind. “Seeing others have that lightbulb moment of 'Hey, maybe I'm not so alone after all… Because it's always nice to see others realize that others feel the same as they do and that maybe there is a mutual understanding” says a past Y Mind Calgary participant.
Access to these vital supports will help young people to develop coping skills and improve their overall wellbeing. “Learning about visualization, and the mindfulness activity that came with it, was my favorite part because it really brought me some peace and comfort to watch a negative thought drift away” says another Y Mind Calgary participant.
YMCA Calgary looks forward to offering the next season of Y Mind programming to the Calgary community this winter.
If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about YMCA Calgary’s Y Mind program, please visit Y Mind Mental Wellness Program | YMCA Calgary
Click here to see the Government of Canada’s Media Release on the Y Mind grant: Government of Canada investing nearly $7 million for young people’s mental health - Canada.ca