The Salvation Army in Truro talks mental health over tea

According to Statistics Canada, there are more people in Canada over the age of 65 than there are youth under 15. This amounts to nearly 5.8 million people at retirement age or older. As social media campaigns raise awareness of mental health issues, The Salvation Army Truro corps is putting a spotlight on mental health in older adults during their Ladies Afternoon Tea event.

The Ladies Afternoon Tea featured guest speaker Sally Normanton, Mental Health Coordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). "Mental health initiatives and speaking up to end the stigma is a personal mission of mine. It's my goal to make everyone aware that it's okay not to be okay," says Truro corps officer Lieutenant Sarah Braye.

Ageism can also contribute to the stigmatization of mental illness in older adults. This stigma can lead to families or community members mistaking issues such as mood changes or depression as simply memory loss or neurological degeneration associated with aging. Seminars like the Ladies Afternoon Tea help to shed light on the number of complex social, psychological, emotional and physical conditions that contribute to mental health issues. 

With over 30 per cent of Truro's population over 55 years old, providing educational seminars is essential for families, caregivers, and older adults alike, to identify symptoms and locate resources. "Mental health is a very important topic because no one is untouched. Either you know someone, or you yourself are dealing with a mental illness," says Lt. Braye. 

Many older adults are dealing with simultaneous life changes like retirement, lower income, grief, and limited mobility. Free, public seminars like the Ladies Afternoon Tea helps to raise awareness and address the evolving needs of the most vulnerable people in our communities. 

"The Salvation Army is a compassionate community; we have many resources available, provide support and offer encouragement," says Lt. Braye. “We also have connections within the community so that anyone needing professional help can get it. Under the umbrella of public health is the Mental Health Association that provides the resources to individuals in need." 

The Ladies Afternoon Tea is an event that builds connections and raises awareness to issues affecting the Truro community. The seminar’s focus on mental health helps bridge the gap between social media campaigns and providing service and dignity to others.

Lt. Braye says, "Being informed about mental health is a good place to start. We need to talk about it, learn more about it, and then we can provide support. Mental health is inclusive. It has no boundaries. It doesn't matter what your social status is, or race, or gender, or age, it can affect anyone. It's time to offer a place of refuge, love, and compassion to those who need it most. It's time to acknowledge the facts and embrace the millions who are suffering every day from mental illness."

Across Canada, The Salvation Army provides mental health services ranging from addiction rehabilitation to grief counselling. If you or someone you love is need of assistance, please contact your local Salvation Army office.