NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. — Their actions spoke louder than words.
But that didn’t stop the three dozen brave and holiday theme-dressed joggers, and a dog named Reginald, who took to the chilly streets of North Sydney and Sydney Mines from also speaking up about adolescent addictions and mental health issues.
Dr. Stephanie Langley, who organized the sixth annual Boxing Day 5K Run through the Northside/Harbourivew Hospital Foundation, said that in an area strapped for vital youth resources it is important to lead by example in showing young people that physical activity can be an effective tool in the struggle to overcome their challenges.
“I’d like to get the message out to kids that exercise and running can be something that can lift your spirits,” said Langley, who took to the streets with a Santa hat on her head.
“It can be a good part of therapy and that’s what this is all about, raising awareness and funds so that young people with addiction and mental health issues can get the resources they need.”
Langley also expressed concern over what she believes is a lack of resources in regard to adolescent addiction and mental health, citing the fact that there is no full-time adolescent psychiatrist in Cape Breton. However, she said youth health clinics such as the one located at Memorial High School in Sydney Mines are helping to provide youth resources at an earlier stage of life.
She said the Memorial clinic has both a registered nurse and a mental health therapist.
RN Nicole Cameron said mental well-being is probably the primary issue she deals with at the clinic.
“Sometimes someone from the school can refer them if they felt there was a need, whether that be a mental health need or other type of health need, or they can just drop in on their own and no one else has to know about it, it’s very confidential,” said Cameron, adding that early intervention is incredibly helpful when it comes to assisting students in need.
“Once we identify an issue we can get them connected with the proper supports that are more specialized for proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.”
She said that in 2020 the clinic is going to incorporate a Mental Health Commission of Canada program called Headstrong, an evidence-based anti-stigma initiative aimed at inspiring youth aged 12 to 18 to “be brave, reach out and speak up” about mental health.
“Lots has been done, but there is always more work to do to reduce the stigma,” said Cameron.
One of the Boxing Day runners was well known community volunteer Cyril MacDonald.
“It’s a fun day to come up, work off the holiday turkey and to support this great cause,” said MacDonald, a dedicated runner who added that the Boxing Day event was the 572nd consecutive day that he made it out for a run.
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