Head Talks: Conversation for change comes to Vancouver on August 25

With the goal of peeling away the fear and stigma associated with mental health issues, Head Talks brings a conversation for change to Vancouver on Tuesday, August 25.

Tickets are by donation and all proceeds raised will be donated to the The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation – an organization committed to providing mental health resources to young people.

Why you should attend:

6 reasons to attend Head Talks

1. Hear first-hand experiences from people affected who will share what the disease and the diagnosis truly feels like and what they have learned through the process from pre to post diagnosis.

2. Hear from the support systems – the partners, friends and family members of the diagnosed – and learn what these speakers did, would do differently and are doing now to be there for their loved ones.

3. Hear the facts about diagnosis and treatment from experts in mental health and eating disorders.

4. Fifty per cent of Canadians would tell friends and coworkers that they have a family member with a mental illness. This falls below those who would talk about a family member who has cancer or diabetes, with 72 per cent and 68 per cent respectively.

5. Get resources for mental health programs and organizations.

6. Be a part of a conversation for change and dispel the stigma.

Buy tickets online via Eventbrite.

One of the speakers, Sammy Afshar has said:

I share an ‘on-again-off-again’ relationship with anxiety. I have lived with this sometimes debilitating condition for over seven years now, but have only started truly managing it since late 2013. I know that there are some people in my life who would never have guessed this about me, and that’s ok. I’m good at hiding it. I would love nothing more than to shed some light onto a topic like this, and help dissolve some of the shadows we live behind. I can’t tell you what it would mean to feel like I can help somebody who deals with anxiety, depression, or any other illness that they are afraid to talk about for fear of feeling misunderstood or looking ‘crazy’ in the eyes of others.

One of the organizers, Roxy Quinde has said:

I decided to organize Head Talks because I want to create a world where everyone feels comfortable sharing how they’re truly feeling. Three years ago, my boyfriend and I started our journey of understanding his anxiety. At the beginning it was a struggle as I had no idea what to do and honestly, sometimes I still don’t. We were lucky to have supportive friends and family who reminded me to be patient. We want to share our story to end stigma around mental illness. Studies show that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness in their lifetime. Chances are you’ll know someone. If we want to be there for them when or if that time comes, then we need to start creating a safe space for them now. Let’s get educated on the facts. That’s what this nights all about.

The Experts

Christine Yu, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor

Christine has worked extensively in the field of anxiety, both as a researcher and a practitioner. She is currently working as a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice in Vancouver, BC, providing evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents and families.

In her role as a Youth and Family Counsellor at BC Children’s Hospital, Christine supports teens on the Eating Disorders Inpatient Unit. In addition to child and family therapy, Christine is a consultant at AnxietyBC and aims to increase awareness and promote education in communities. She offers workshops and presentations for school staff and parent-groups around the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

Ali Eberhardt, Registered Dietician

Ali Eberhardt is a Registered Dietitian who holds a Bachelor of Science, Food Nutrition Health degree with Honors form the University of British Columbia. She has been working in the Provincial Adult Tertiary Specialized Eating Disorders Program since 2011, as well as with the Looking Glass organization since 2011. Ali believes in collaborating with clients to help achieve their goals through a caring & compassionate approach. Ali is passionate about helping clients find a healthy relationship with food & body.

The Organization

About The Kelty Foundation On March 2nd, 2001, Kerry and Ginny Dennehy lost their 17 year old son, Kelty, after a short battle with depression, otherwise known as the ‘Silent Killer’.

Devastated by the loss of their beautiful son and determine to prevent others from traveling the same journey, The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation was founded that same year. For more information on The Kelty Foundation see: www.thekeltyfoundation.org

From Ginny Dennehy, the President:

“It is up to us to be educated in what to look for in someone who is suffering from depression. It is up to us not to judge and understand that depression is a mental illness and those that suffer do not necessarily have a choice. Depression is not a character flaw. This disease needs as much funding, attention, and supporters as the disease out there such as cancer, heart disease, MS, etc.”

Together a difference can be made, but only with your help!