Some Other Solutions
202A-8706 Franklin Avenue T9H 2B9 Fort McMurray, AB, Canada

It’s 2022 and the world has taken steps forward to be more accepting of people regardless of their sexuality but there is still a lot of work to do. As we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, it’s essential to sit and think about the difference we can all make in our everyday lives to denounce the violence and discrimination experienced by this community. https://www.someothersolutions.ca//supporting-the-lgbtqia2

Do you need a mental health day? If you're struggling to focus, are feeling down in the dumps or feeling disconnected, a mental health day might be just what you need. https://www.womenshealthmag.com//a19944/mental-health-day/

In the early 1900s, more than 1,000 African-Americans crossed the border into Canada and settled in small communities around Edmonton, taking advantage of Canada offering 160 acres of land for a $10 fee. There is a rooted and storied history of Black people in Northern Alberta, which has been captured in an in-depth documentary: We Are the Roots. You can watch the full length film from Bailey and Soda Films on their website: baileyandsoda.com

We've been talking a lot about mentoring over the last month or so because it's so important to the strength and resilience of both individuals and our entire community! The SOS mentoring program is active throughout the region to build resilient children and youth by building trust, empowering young individuals, improving self-worth, communication skills and coping skills. While the program does receive referrals through the school system, a parent/guardian can also refer their child. Learn more on our website (scroll down for mentoring information!): https://www.someothersolutions.ca/child-and-youth-programs

As the COVID-19 global health crisis nears the one-year mark, anxiety is front and centre for many. There is an increased stress level and worry that comes with living through a pandemic. The ability to cope with the changing dynamics may come easier for some than others. Learn more about anxiety on our blog and how to cope. And above all, if you need help, reach out and ask. We are here for you with the 24/7 crisis line and counsellors for one-on-one virtual sessions.

For today's #mentalhealthmonday, we're doing a check-in on your goals! If you set any for the year, how are they coming along? Were you able to set up a tangible action plan to support them? We're rooting for you! Let us know in the comments below how you're making out

We are proud to support Mentor Canada with #MentoringMonth! Mentoring can play a powerful role in a young person's learning - strengthening their education and building their brains! DYK that young people who are mentored are more than twice as likely to have completed high school and almost twice as likely to have pursued some education after high school? Check out becomeamentor.ca to learn more about how you can get involved!

"It's your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you." - Rumi

Today's challenge...don't be too hard on yourself! We all make mistakes - we're not perfect. It's how you deal with the mistake that helps build your personal foundation to be even stronger. #mentalhealthmonday

We know mental health is eroding as the pandemic continues. According to a study from the Canadian Mental Health Association, 40% of Albertans say their mental health has deteriorated since last March and close to half of parents of children under 18 are worried about finances. Counselling is an important component of supporting your mental health and getting you through these difficult times. We encourage you to reach out and book an appointment. www.someothersolutions.ca

A great piece from the Globe and Mail on how important outside exercise will be this winter when it comes to our mental health! https://www.theglobeandmail.com//article-going-outside-a/

"Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going." - Unknown

"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost

It's Halloween with Some Other Solutions and we are excited to be raising money this weekend for the United Way! Visit 140 Macrae Place tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday to enjoy the lights, spooky fun and pose for some pictures. And when you're out Trick or Treating on Saturday, make sure you swing by the same address for a treat from Some Other Solutions. Donations will be accepted all three days for the United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo. Please note, no donations will be kept on the premises.

We are celebrating children all week to recognize National Child Day on Friday! What does Children's Rights mean to you? Let us know in the comments below!

We are excited to introduce you to Paula - an SOS Mental Health Counsellor. A registered social worker with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Paula has been practicing in Fort McMurray for more than 20 years and has a passion for the therapeutic process. She supports clients on their life journey in dealing with mental health struggles, life transitions, family issues and more. One of her favourite quotes: "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson Learn more about Paula and the rest of the SOS team on our website. https://www.someothersolutions.ca/about

No one person walks the same journey; the experience of grief and loss are individual and unique. Learn more about the Seven Stages of Grief on our website. www.someothersolutions.com/resources

At SOS, we provide health and wellness support for close to 1,300 people each and every year. That covers everything from counselling services to grief and loss workshops and everything in between. And those numbers are expected to climb. Your donations help us maintain and elevate the programming we offer to the community, supporting you, your friends and neighbours. Thank you for your support. www.someothersolutions.ca/donate

Meditation can feel impossible and overwhelming at first, or maybe it just feels like a waste of time. But there are more and more studies coming out to show significant results of meditation. Recent reports show that mindful meditation can help reduce anxiety, depression and psychological pain. That's on top of improving your general mood, sleep, cognition and more. So for today's #MentalHealthMonday, we encourage you to give it a try! Start by downloading a free app, like Headspace, and simply follow along.

Staying connected with current events is important, especially when there are continual changes to COVID-19 restrictions and other pertinent things happening around the world. But obsessing about the news and spending too many hours of the day scrolling through updates and getting worked about it won't help you stay grounded. Instead, try picking one time of day where you catch up on news. Could be first thing in the morning when you sit at your desk. Or maybe you prefer to watch the evening news before supper. Find a balance that allows you to stay connected without feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. #mentalhealthmonday

Obesity is a complex disease impacting more than one in four Canadians. Not only does it put individuals at a higher risk of physical health challenges, but it can also directly impact their mental health. As efforts increase to reduce the stigma against obesity and shift the conversation to a focus on health, Sandra Elia from the Board of Obesity Action is sharing her story. Head over to our Facebook page for the link. https://www.healthing.ca//what-it-feels-like-living-with-o

Have you met Julie? Julie Penney is our Child and Youth Coordinator and has spent her career working in the social service sector, specifically in the areas of early childhood development, family support, parent education and youth. She believes that in order to build a healthy community, you need to build healthy, strong and resilient youth. We couldn't agree more! Learn more about Julie and the rest of the SOS team on our website. https://www.someothersolutions.ca/about

We are a proactive community, here to empower you to be your best self. To be confident through chaos and to help you find the strength within to not only be empowered yourself, but to spread that feeling to others at the same time. Welcome to Some Other Solutions.

Today for #MentalHealthMonday we're talking about the importance of sleep. Sleep is very closely connected to mental health and wellness. Poor sleep can contribute to the development of a mental illness or worsen a diagnosis you already have. Look at your sleep habits and see if you can fine tune things to set yourself up for better Z's. Start with simple changes, like reducing the amount of caffeine you have in the afternoon/evening, cutting off screen time an hour before bed, and sticking with a consistent go-to-sleep/wake-up schedule, even on weekends.

There are more than 170,000 children in Alberta living in poverty. Thousands of children who may not have access to a wholesome meal, who may not have a roof over their heads, let alone the option to participate in after-school sports and activities. "One of the keys to ending child poverty is addressing poverty in the household, from which it often stems. Access to quality social services must be a priority." UN Secretary-General António Guterres #PovertyDay #EndPoverty

Life's challenges don't stick to business hours. The SOS crisis line is available for you 24/7. Simply call 780-743-(HELP)4357 and our team will be there.

The SOS Community Update goes out next week! Sign up today to stay up to date on current mental health trends, updates from our teams and more. Visit someothersolutions.ca and scroll down to the bottom of the home page to sign up.

Our virtual Mindfulness Group starts tomorrow evening! This is your chance to allocate 30 minutes for yourself once a week for 8 weeks. Be grateful. Be mindful. Feel alive! Email [email protected] to register and get information on how to access the program.