Compassion - May 2024 Newsletter
Compassion connects us all.
That’s the theme chosen by the Canadian Mental Health Association for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which just concluded on May 12.
Did you know the first ever Mental Health Awareness Month was observed in the US in May of 1949? It was started by an organization which today is known as Mental Health America, and it got its inspiration from a man named Clifford Whittingham Beers.
Mr. Beers became a champion for mental health – what was then known as ‘mental hygiene’ – after his own struggles, and the poor treatment he received from the staff at area mental health institutions. After being discharged, and despite having no medical or psychiatric background himself, he started his own outpatient mental health clinic. He was eventually named Honorary President of the World Federation for Mental Health.
Imagine, though, if the credentialed professionals of the day didn’t like what Mr. Beers had to say and didn’t listen to him. What if they kept on doing things the way they were doing them because they, PhDs and fancy titles in hand, knew better?
Stories like Mr. Beers’ remind us of the importance of listening to those with lived experiences – in our line of work, it means those who might be experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. We listen to them because we can learn from them. We listen to them because it reminds them they matter. We listen to them because homelessness, poverty, and addiction are not choices one would make, but are often the result of unforeseen circumstances.
Most importantly, we listen to them because it’s an opportunity to restore hope and dignity.
For those who know their history, you’ll likely observe 1949 – the year of the first mental Health Awareness Month – was just a few short years following the conclusion of World War II. And it would be another 31 years before post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would even be diagnosed. That means the burdens borne by World War II veterans and their families (not to mention those of prior conflicts) were not fully recognized for many, many years later. These individuals bore the unforeseen consequences of their sacrificial choice.
Ultimately, we don’t know what is going on with someone around us who might be struggling. We don’t know what they’ve seen, what they’re thinking, or what they feel. We don’t know what they’re carrying, or even what their ‘capacity’ is.
Until we ask. Until we show compassion.
Travis Blackmore
Founder and CEO, Lionhearts Inc.
Helping Our Buds Move Some Spuds
We recently helped complete a ‘Great Potato Rescue’ in Ottawa as part of a network of charities which redistributed 20,000 lbs of surplus potatoes to charities across the region.
What a tater-ly amazing opportunity – thanks to the organizers for including us!
Look Ma, We're on TV!
Don't adjust your TV set! We recently released our video recaps from Coldest Night of the Year 2024, as well as a mini documentary about The Embassy!
Kingston CNOY 2024
Ottawa CNOY 2024
The Embassy
And! Chef Stephen was on Rogers TV's Daytime Ottawa recently!