What does story have to do with mental wellness? On the flip side, what does mental wellness have to do with story? At Reinholdt Productions, we have been diving deeper into mental wellness through our stories and it’s no accident. It has been a conscious, focused decision to tackle these important issues that we’re facing as part of our daily lives.

It has been more than fifteen months since the pandemic hit our world. We were mandated to our homes, to wear masks, wash our hands, sanitize, to not see our seniors. Businesses including theatres were forced to close or come up with creative ways to serve customers. Corporations laid off thousands. Non-profits struggled to keep going and some closed.

In addition, teachers and children were expected to stay at home and connect through computers. Parents with careers needed to figure out a way to ensure their kids were able to learn at home while they continued to work. Everyone was required to technically adapt.

I’m not sure there would have been a perfect solution to handling the outbreak. I think initially staying at home was a good idea. Most of us have a bit of resilience. But the length of time required of us to remain in our homes, to adapt or lose business, to not be physically present with those we care about, has been detrimental.

 

The decline of mental health in Canada

Statistics Canada reports the decline in mental wellness has been considerable since we were isolated. The Mental Health Commission indicates a rise in depression and substance abuse since March 2020. In this report, they show how there has been a change in mental wellness not only in those who were susceptible but also the stronger.

order cheap cialis appalachianmagazine.com It energizes and keeps the nerves in active condition.
These outcomes, as well as my own experience with some in my circle losing their health and loved ones, has me thinking. (If my late dear Dad read this, he would say in his dry humour there’s a first time for everything. Ha-ha!). These changes to our health and welfare, in my opinion, have made our personal wellness even more of an urgent priority.

This means our work telling interpersonal stories is now more vital than ever. Spiritually, people are more earnestly seeking a relationship with God or a higher power. Many are looking for lasting and sustained hope because they have so many questions and are feeling so lost. Emotionally, people are hurt and need healing. They are pursuing restoration of peace and trust. There have been experiences of great division as well as betrayal or loss that have resulted in massive grief. Physically and mentally, many are tired and lack energy or may not feel well. They are burdened with hormonal and mental realities that prevent them from being able to handle life on a day-to-day basis.

 

Mental health stories from Reinholdt Productions

That’s where our stories come in. Our stories help build interpersonal skills. They give insights into how to heal spiritually and what it takes to be responsible for one’s life and results. They model active listening, teamwork, dependability, leadership, motivation, flexibility, patience and empathy- the skills which better our relationships with ourselves and others. They show what happens when we do not have these skills. And they encourage authenticity as well as vulnerability – facilitating connection while making available experts and resources to support. They create a safe place to heal inwardly.

So, if you or someone you know is edging their way towards suicide, watch our film Are You Listening?  It models a skill every one of us can do – listening.

We encourage connecting with the grief support group like Stronger Life Connections for you or anyone you know who has lost someone or something during these last months.

And our latest film, Reflections: When It’s No Longer is on the festival circuit right now. Plans are being laid to create public events around this film to help people grieve.

Above all, we know that mental health and wellness can be directly influenced by staying connected with others, including us! You matter.