'There may still be a stigma': Saskatoon senior’s home focuses on mental health
A Saskatoon retirement home is encouraging residents to prioritize their mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residents at Preston Park Retirement Residence 1 played games designed to break the silence around mental illness on Wednesday.
Seniors shared ways they focus on their mental well-being — especially during the pandemic.
Greg Trotter, a resident at Preston Park, says video calling was crucial when visitor restrictions were in place.
“In the last two years, with the COVID situation, we haven’t been going out much so the telephone and FaceTime and emails are invaluable,” Trotter says.
He says the staff and residents have gotten closer since the pandemic.
“We’ve been really a family because for a long time we weren’t able to go out and family wasn’t able to come in. We supported each other in the highs and lows,” Trotter tells CTV News.
Kristen Mathieson, the lifestyle director at the residence, says there can be a stigma among older adults and mental illness.
“There may still be a stigma in older adults because that’s something that wasn’t discussed when they were younger, so it’s something definitely new to this generation,” Mathieson says.
Wednesday is Bell Let’s Talk Day, an annual campaign, in its 12th year, that aims to raise awareness and end stigma about mental health.
Bell Let’s Talk Day activities were included in Spirit Week at the residence. This year’s Spirit Week features activities and snacks inspired by the TV series Ted Lasso.
CTV News is a division of Bell Media.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.