Breaking Down Barriers: Jewish Child and Family Service presents
Can we talk about…Depression featuring TSN celebrity Michael Landsberg
Although depression is a highly treatable illness, the large majority of individuals who suffer from depression do not seek help. Fear, shame, embarrassment, stigma, and misunderstanding all pose significant obstacles for many individuals, and prevent them from accessing support.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in Canada. Statistics gathered by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health indicate that, at any given time, almost three million Canadians suffer from serious depression. During their lifetime, about 5-12 percent of men and 10-25 percent of women will experience at least one episode of major depressive disorder. Depression symptoms are serious and cause emotional pain for those who suffer. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2020, major depression will be second only to heart disease as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression is the single biggest risk factor for thinking about taking one’s life, and committing suicide.
To help break down barriers and encourage dialogue and greater understanding about depression, Jewish Child and Family Service will be hosting a mental health outreach evening, Can we talk about….Depression. This event will feature TSN celebrity sports-broadcaster and Bell Canada “Let’s Talk” ambassador, Mr. Michael Landsberg. As our speaker for the evening, Mr. Landsberg will be delivering a presentation titled “Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports, and Me”, during which he speaks about his personal battle with depression and calls to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Mr. Landsberg’s presentation will be followed by an audience-driven question and answer session facilitated by local CBC radio personality, Marcy Markusa, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Michelle Warren. The evening will continue with a resource fair featuring local mental health and wellness organizations, all providing information, advice, and guidance for any individual who wishes to access further supports. As a follow up to this event, JCFS will be launching a Depression support group for interested individuals.
Mr. Landsberg is coming to Winnipeg as part of the ongoing JCFS Can we talk about…. speaker series, an initiative featuring speakers that encourage and promote discussion on topics that are often avoided due to stigma and embarrassment, with a view to connecting the public to further resources and supports. JCFS has a long history of providing social support services to the Winnipeg Jewish and general communities, including support for addiction and recovery, aging, mental health, and counseling supports. JCFS is very excited about the potential of this unique event to further extend the agency’s ability to support those suffering with mental health issues and depression, and generate greater awareness and understanding about this difficult topic.
Can we talk about….Depression will take place on Thursday November 3rdat 7pm, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Crescent.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the JCFS office at 204.477.7430 or online at jcfswinnipeg.org
$25 Adults ($30 after September 1)
$18 Students and seniors
