Mental health hasn't the medical care or social safety net of other afflictions. Those who chronically suffer from it often spiral into marginalized lives, often cut off from family and friends, and Christmas time can amplify their feelings of loneliness.
When voices project from the Theatre North West stage in the days ahead, audiences have an opportunity to help.
The local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association has, since 1968, provided some Christmas cheer and fellowship for these important-to-remember people.
Its annual initiative is called Gift Of Hope and it includes a party and care packages full of basic needs and a few treats. The packages go to those suffering from mental illness; also, some are aimed at their children who don't necessarily have a Christmas morning coming like most kids do.
This year, Theatre North West is joining the Gift Of Hope efforts. Its current play is A Christmas Carol, a story rooted in the core value of charity and compassion, especially during the wintry holiday season.
When TNW patrons head to the theatre to see the play, they are asked to bring contributions along that will go into the Gift Of Hope collection.
"This time of year can be extremely isolating for those who suffer from these mental conditions," said TNW's director of marketing and development Carli Staub, who is also the president of the Canadian Mental Health Association's local volunteer board.
"They are often estranged from their family, they often don't interact well with other people, they may not have family or friends at all. Many of them have only their clinician and maybe a support worker for any kind of close relationship," Staub said.
"Most of them live on disability income only, and this is really hidden from the rest of society, so you might not have any idea this is happening right here in your own community.
"Persistent mental health issues can lead to unbelievable hardship for the sufferer and for their family, too. There are deep community impacts, and we can help."
Staub suggests people contribute generic items for daily life: toiletries, socks, mittens, scarves, toques, chocolate, small games, playing cards, hand tools, and very helpful are gift cards from multipurpose retailers like hardware stores, drug stores, grocery stores, etc.
Many of these stores have also stepped forward to be drop-points like TNW for those wishing to donate items. They are: Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Marts, The Bay, Second Cup, Pharmasave, Superstore, Art of Tanning, Evergreen Pharmacy, Books & Co., Northern Hardware, Reid's Prescriptions, Hart Drugs, Your Dollar Store (Hart).
A Christmas Carol runs at TNW until Dec. 9. The Canadian Mental Health Association's local office and support centre is located at 1125 Third Ave.
