There are few among us who have not been affected in some form by mental health issues.
It’s incumbent on us to examine how we combat those and hopefully overcome them. The ways we all can help are vast, innovative and long-lasting.
An example of this will happen next week during the 3rd Annual Guiney Push Up Challenge. It will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at St. Kevin’s Parish Hall in Goulds. The event will run from 4-7 p.m.
Organizers are seeking participants to do 100 push ups in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association — Newfoundland and Labrador.
Started by Bill Guiney three years ago following a difficult event in his family brought on by mental health issues, it’s hoped this year’s event will attract 100 participants (or more) to attend, complete their 100 push ups and raise funds for the CMHL-NL and raise awareness that the issues are more prevalent than people may ever realize.
Bill and his wife Susan Guiney know first-hand the traumatic experience mental health played in their lives and they’ve worked for several years to assist people those issues.
Their efforts were sparked by their daughters, who several years ago, and just four days apart, each attempted suicide.
“Both of our girls have ended up in the hospital with suicide attempts,’’ Susan said in 2017.
“They both have depression and anxiety issues. Our youngest was a cutter — that is a cry for help. One of those cuts went too far and she nearly died. Four days later, our other daughter took an overdose,’’ she added.
The Guineys have organized several events to entice people to seek help and not take the same drastic measures attempted by their daughters. In 2017, the push-up challenge event raised $2,165 for the CMHL-NL, a total Bill hopes to surpass this year.
To be a competitor and support the event, interested persons and their companies or corporations are asked to contact the CMHL-NL at 753-8550, ext. 104.
It has even been rumoured that several Mer By’s could be in attendance and participate in the event — smartly adorned in tails … and no shirts.
In addition to the push-up challenge, there will be live entertainment, a silent auction and refreshments will be available for all who attend.
Canadian Mental Health Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CMHA-NL), is a provincial division of the nationwide leader and champion for mental health. Its mission is to facilitate access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness.
CMHA-NL’s provincial office is in St. John’s, and its two regional offices are located in Grand Falls-Windsor (Central) and Stephenville (Western).
The CMHA-NL relies on the generosity and support of all those that donate to the organization. But as the need for resources and support grows, so too does the need for funding of its operations.
Every day staff provides front-line services, such as employment counselling and case management, that are helping some of society’s most vulnerable people to discover and maintain a rewarding life.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 709-737-4668 or toll free 1-888-737-4668. If you want to know more about CMHL-NL, log on to cmhanl.ca.
