Reframing MENtal Health : an important discussion about the mental health crisis in men.

November or (Movember) is the month dedicated to men's health (men's mental health).  On November 2nd we invite you to come together for an important event. This is the first of it's kind for CCP, an event dedicated to bringing awareness to Men's Mental Health and reducing the stigma associated with talking about depression and suicide. 

We are grateful to have Nick Petrella; who will be joining us to help spread his message and help bring a personal touch to discussing this very important topic. 

Nick Petrella: 

Nick grew up in Southern Ontario where he was a competitive athlete in three sports: Hockey, Football and Lacrosse. Many surgeries and countless concussions had a devastating impact on his athletic career both physically and emotionally, leading to a decision to no longer play competitive sport and focus on academics and coaching.



Nick earned a Master of Science degree from Brock University with a focus on human performance and exercise physiology and is now a Professor and Coordinator in the Health, Wellness and Fitness program at Mohawk College. He is a two-time recipient of an Instructor Appreciation Award, and an Everyday Hero Award at Mohawk College. He is also a Keynote Speaker in Mental Health and earned Mental Health First Aid Instructor status with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. He has been awarded the St Joseph’s Hospital Spirit of Hope that is awarded to an individual who is making strides on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and the YMCA Peace Medal in recognition of outstanding contributions as a peacemaker and demonstrating commitment to YMCA values of peace. He is a co-founding member of the Mohawk College Mental Health in Motion peer to peer support initiative and most recently, has been selected by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health as One of Five FACES of Mental Illness in Canada and recently delivered his first TedTalk at TedXMcMaster in February of 2023. 

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Nick has dedicated himself to shattering the stigma associated with mental illness by sharing his personal journey with emotional wellness and speaking on behalf of those people who are not ready to speak for themselves. 

As we know it's challenging for anyone to reach out for help when they are feeling low. Men face unique barriers when it comes to seeking help for their mental health and because of that they often go without. 

Quick facts:

• Today, approximately 5 per cent of male youth age 12 to 19 have experienced a major depressive episode (CMHA).
• One in 10 men will struggle with depression in his lifetime (Movember Canada).
• Rates of substance use disorder are very high in males, 6.4 per cent compared to  2.5 per cent of females (StatCan).
• Men die by suicide at a rate four times higher than that of women (CMHA).
• Men are more likely to develop schizophrenia at a younger age (Mental Health Commission of Canada).
• Talking about mental illness and suicide does not make it worse. 
• There is a drastic shortage of help available for people to access.
• Therapy and support for depression, substance use and trauma are often misunderstood and discussions like these help to eliminate the stigma associated with getting support. 

The purpose of this event is not only raise awareness about men's mental health,  the team at CCP will be donating 100% all the funds raised to The Eastick Family Trust Fund which has been created to help the family of Michael Eastick a friend of CCP who died by suicide this past summer.  Mike was a vibrant and beautiful person who leaves behind two children and his best friend and wife. When Mike passed his wife wanted to donate funds to a mental health organization that could help others. Unfortunately, there was no organization that helped Mike and he, like many others, didn't have the help available to him when he needed it. Friends and family encouraged his family to accept the money in a fund to help support them directly and we're are thrilled to contribute to that. 

Please consider joining us on Thursday, November 2nd to show your support. These conversations are never easy, but they are crucial to changing how we view getting help. 

What to expect: 

Doors open at 6:30pm: come by the space to chat with our therapists, collect resources, see the space and donate funds if you feel inclined.

 

7pm: Ticket holders will be able to sit/stand to listen to Nick discuss his  diagnosis, the journey to getting his diagnosis, what led to getting help, the journey through therapy, and his recovery from there. Nick speaks very openly and candidly about the challenges and dark times. He will speak to the importance of getting support and the reality of how hard that is. 

730-815pm: Open discussion and question period with Nick and Carly Crawford and other CCP therapists. 

830pm : Our speaker will end and we will wrap up the evening with a quick word honouring Michael Eastick. 

Tickets for this event are priced generously @ 50.00 per ticket to help support the Eastick Family Trust Fund. 

The discussion will take place in our Workshop/Yoga area which can fit approximately 20 people standing and sitting.  

We will have two areas for viewing; one live in the workshop space and the other one will be in the other workshop area and will be live streamed onto our TV. 

Total tickets will be limited to 35 people in house. 

If you wish to support this initiative and come by our space to collect information, have a quick snack or coffee  and give a donation please join us. 

If you wish to simply donate to the cause, there is a ticket available for donations only. 

We are thrilled to offer this evening of support and appreciate your generousity.