in Dealing with Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, including conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, impact millions of individuals worldwide, profoundly affecting their quality of life. These disorders go beyond normal mood fluctuations, often disrupting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. While medical treatments and therapy are essential for managing these disorders, the significance of support networks cannot be overstated. A strong support network, consisting of friends, family, peers, and professionals, can serve as a lifeline for individuals navigating the challenging landscape of mood disorders.
Understanding Mood Disorders:
Mood disorders are intricate conditions arising from a blend of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors. Two prevalent mood disorders are depression, marked by persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities, and bipolar disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings between depressive lows and manic highs. These conditions tend to isolate individuals and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
The Influence of Support Networks:
Support networks counteract the isolating nature of mood disorders with a powerful sense of connection, understanding, and validation. These networks encompass a range of relationships, from close family and friends to online communities and support groups tailored for mood disorders. Here’s how support networks play a pivotal role in managing these conditions:
1. Reducing Stigma and Isolation: Mood disorders are often stigmatized, causing individuals to avoid discussing their struggles openly. A support network creates a safe space where people can share experiences without fearing judgment, thus diminishing feelings of isolation.
2. Validation and Empathy: Within a support network, friends and family validate an individual’s emotions and experiences. This validation counteracts the self-doubt commonly associated with mood disorders. Empathetic understanding assures individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.
3. Practical Assistance: Support networks provide practical aid during challenging times. This assistance could involve accompanying individuals to therapy sessions, assisting with daily tasks during low periods, or simply offering a listening ear.
4. Encouraging Professional Help: Individuals with mood disorders might hesitate to seek professional assistance. A supportive network can motivate them to take that step, emphasizing the importance of therapy, medication, and other interventions.
5. Crisis Management: In situations where mood disorders lead to crises, a robust support network can serve as a safety net. Friends and family can recognize warning signs of severe episodes and take appropriate action, such as contacting mental health professionals or emergency services.
6. Developing Coping Strategies: Support networks actively contribute to an individual’s coping mechanisms. Loved ones can identify healthy coping strategies and encourage engaging in activities that promote well-being.

7. Peer Support: Peer-led support groups or online communities connect individuals who share similar experiences. Sharing stories and strategies with others who have faced comparable challenges can offer a unique and valuable perspective.

International Self-Care Day, observed annually on July 24, emphasizes the importance of self-care for overall health and well-being. This day underscores the role of self-care in preventing and managing illnesses, enhancing mental health, and improving quality of life. It encourages individuals to adopt practices like healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. The date, 7/24, symbolizes that self-care should be practiced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ISD activities are held around the world each year and can include things like concerts, organized walks, sport matches, self-care classes, and media events. How will you participate?

As temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how to take care of your hearing aids. Beware of Heat! Avoid putting your hearing aids in places that attract heat quickly – like the glove compartment or console in your car. Stay Away from Moisture! Remember to take your hearing aids out before swimming or if you’re caught in the rain. Keep ‘em Clean! Warm, humid weather creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You can use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and debris from your hearing aids. Follow these simple tips and get outside to enjoy the warm weather.

For every person experiencing a substance abuse problem, on average, at least NINE others are affected – partners, spouses, children, parents, friends, employers, and co-workers. Although family members, friends, employers and co-workers are often in the best position to intervene, on average, significant others do not seek direct help for their loved ones substance abuse or addiction problem for at least nine years. Those affected by a significant other’s substance abuse, may themselves experience significant physical, emotional, social and spiritual stressors. Some commonly experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness when trying to deal with their loved one.
You Are Not Alone! WE KNOW THAT: Family members are often highly motivated to not only understand, intervene and support their loved ones experiencing problems with mental health and substance use, but also able to participate in the change and recovery process in restoring their relationship. The sooner one receives the help they need to recover the better the prognosis for recovery. We Are Here to Help!

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL SILVER LINING GALA IN SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
JUNE 19TH, – 6:00 – 9:30pm
NORWOOD HOTEL.
A wonderful evening featuring:
Michael Redhead Champagne
Michael is an Ininew public speaker, writer, community advocate and on-screen personality, his storytelling connects communities across North America and around the world. Michael’s commitment to action and solutions comes from his experiences growing up in Winnipeg’s North End, his identity as a member of Shamattawa First Nation and his connection to the child welfare system. He aims to walk his talk, revolutionize harmful systems, and ensure those with lived experience design, deliver and evaluate any initiative that affects them. Michael’s first children’s book, “We Need Everyone” from HighWater Press is now available everywhere books are sold. Brandi Vezina.
Brandi Vezina, a Red River Métis singer/songwriter, blends classic country and rock in her music, drawing from her life experiences. Her latest single, “Old Fashioned Values,” produced with Nashville’s Styles Haury, resonates with over 200K Spotify streams and airs on Sirius XM. Inspired by her Métis heritage, Vezina’s music celebrates tradition and family. She recently won the Manitoba Country Music Association’s NCI Indigenous Country Music Award and was recognized by Front Porch Music. With upcoming Nashville collaborations and new releases planned, Vezina aims to captivate audiences with her energetic performances, promising an unforgettable experience on stage. Our Community Champion Award
Is awarded to someone who embodies resilience, compassion, and determination. They have overcome personal struggles with addiction and have made significant positive changes in their life. They actively support others in their recovery journey, offering encouragement, guidance, and empathy. They advocate for awareness, education, and destigmatization of addiction and mental health issues. They are committed to personal growth, continuous learning, and helping others to achieve their full potential. They inspire hope, instill courage, and foster a sense of community and belonging among those affected by addiction.

Charlotte Nolin
This year, SRWC will be awarding the Community Champion award to Charlotte Nolin. Charlotte is a 71-year-old Tastawiniyew Otipemisiwak (two-spirit Métis) who has devoted her life to protect the children. A survivor of the Sixties Scoop, she walks with first-hand knowledge of the trauma that Indigenous peoples must overcome today. The Community Champion award recognizes individuals who display resilience, compassion, and determination. They’ve conquered addiction, fostering positive change in their lives. They support others in recovery, advocate for awareness and destigmatization, and inspire hope, courage, and community among those impacted by addiction and mental health challenges.