These events are for anyone who suffers with emotional distress or has an interest in the topic of depression and emotional distress including su***de.
The Depression Confessions began in Vancouver in 2015 with a single event. Since then, the event has expanded to include Calgary and Red Deer in early 2018 and future plans include the expansion of the event to other major municipalities across Canada. The Concept
The 3-hour evening event is designed specifically for people who have, or are experiencing depression and their related symptoms, and t
hose in emotional distress. The core of the evening will showcase the narratives of 2-3 select persons (“speakers”), who will share their experience of depression and their journey to recovery. The purpose behind this format is to:
1. Normalize the experience of depression and help reduce the stigma attached to it and other mental health challenges by providing an open, and supportive forum for personal expression.
2. Provide a welcoming “community” for participants and organizers to engage and interact with each other at the event.
3. Offer an “invitation to action” opportunity at the event for those who would like to explore a more active step in their recovery and personal development. This will occur via a 3-month, free, online support/coaching small group format with no more than 8-10 persons per group. At no point will any speaker be talking as an authority on what others must do to get better, instead they will use “I” language when drawing conclusions as to what worked for them. There will be ample time allotted for audience questions after each presentation. In addition to the individual stories, there will be thought provoking and engaging questions for audience members to reflect upon, facilitated by the lead organizer, Barry Samson, a certified Coach, depression survivor, and mental health advocate. If at the event, individuals exhibit signs of a mental health crisis, or openly express thoughts of su***de, every attempt will be made to ensure their safety, and local resources will be made available to them at the time of the event.
