You’re Stronger Than Your Problems
South Asian Youth Mental Health Team (SAYMH) youth ambassador Ajeet found that most people don’t know how to help when someone experiences a mental health problem. Through his youth ambassador training, he learned so much more about mental health, substance use, and many other problems that are shrouded in stigma.
Mental Illness in my Community
South Asian Youth Mental Health Team (SAYMH) youth ambassador Jasleen wants everyone to recognize mental health problems as real health problems, not imaginary conditions. She started small—educating herself and then encouraging her family to recognize mental health—and now uses her voice to educate and raise awareness in her community.
Bringing the Community Together
The South Asian Youth Mental Health Team (SAYMH) helps BC’s South Asian communities find culturally appropriate care, navigate health care systems, and counter the stigma of mental health problems. Youth are trained to be ambassadors, and they facilitate workshops with community organizations, service providers, advocates, and people with lived experience. Learn how SAYMH is changing conversations around mental health.
heART space
In October 2017, heART space, an art show and healing space, gave youth and others in Victoria a place to grieve, heal, and celebrate the lives of those who have died of an overdose. heART space displayed art created by people living on the streets who died of an overdose and art created to memorialize loved ones, and community members offered healing sessions like art therapy and hand drumming in the space. Marion shares the incredible impact that can happen when you create space for expression and conversation to help a community grieve.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Transition was the biggest blessing in Cole’s life, but it also brought along the stress of navigating a major life transition without the support of family, friends, and community members. He started partying to cope, and ended up dropping out of school to work in order to make money for drugs. Now sober, in school, and on a path to support LGBTQ2S youth, Cole reflects on the importance of treatment options that address interdependent challenges like gender identity, homelessness, and drug use and look at the whole person.
Dance Therapy
Arjun felt isolated and bullied, in part due to the stigma of mental health problems in his South Asian community. Through his passion and success in bhangra, he discovered that music and dance are an important opportunity to change the way we think about mental health. Now a dance instructor, he uses his own experiences to help his students find their own well-being.
I'm Riding This Thing, It's Not Riding Me
Growing up, Troy ran into the wrong crowd. He was introduced to drugs and discovered a new way to feel power, and dropped out of school in Grade 10. But he wanted more—a family—and he knew he needed a good job. Find out who in Troy’s life helped him to reconnect with what we wanted and take control back.
Tips for Engaging Young People in Service Design and Delivery
Kristy shares practices in meaningful engagement with youth advisors that she and her team developed for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s BounceBack Youth Advisory Committee.
The Happiest Person You Know
When Seren had to share a culture as part of her class’ International Day, she picked Ukraine because she was too embarrassed of her own Indigenous culture. Even though she wanted a relationship with her heritage, she and her family also experienced racism. Find out how Seren put the pieces together between her mental well-being and her relationship with Indigenous culture to start a journey of healing.
