News Flash Home
The original item was published from 8/28/2020 4:45:11 PM to 6/15/2023 10:39:50 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: May 7, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Message From the Mayor - May 7, 2020 - Mental Health Week

May 7, 2020

Many of you know that mental health is a topic that is near and dear to me. This week the whole country is talking about it during Mental Health Week May 4 to 10, and there’s no better time than now to be having that conversation.

Whether or not you have good coping skills and a strong support network, everyone’s mental health is being tested right now. We’re scared, anxious and frustrated. We’re stress eating and we’re spending too much time on our screens. We’re also lashing out at perceived injustices: such as those we believe are not properly physically distancing.

During Mental Health Week, I have a request for you. When you find yourself going to that negative place, take a deep breath before reacting. Are you making an assumption without all the facts? Would you normally act this way, or is it the stress talking?

It may feel good to have someone to blame, but it hurts you and it hurts others. Negativity festers, but kindness heals. Be gentle with each other. Support each other. Give others the benefit of the doubt.

And if you, yourself, are struggling, I urge you to seek help. Reach out to someone you trust or one of the many free mental health resources that are available. You do not need to go through this alone. 

We’re starting to see the very beginning of the light at the end of the tunnel, as some services start to gradually and cautiously open up. A little less isolation will certainly help all of us feel a bit better.

But let’s remember that although the rules may relax slightly, they won’t be gone. We’ll still need to physically distance, practice good hygiene and do whatever else the health experts tell us to do.

If we don’t, we’ll find ourselves right back where we started – which won’t be good for anyone’s mental health. Coquitlam, let’s do this right.

And now for this week’s shout-outs, where I highlight some of the inspiring things our residents are doing.

In keeping with the mental health theme, I’d like to thank those who are trying to spread some joy in our community, from the 7 p.m. cheer to hopeful messages in sidewalk chalk or on small painted rocks. It makes me smile to see them – but just remember to keep painted rocks out of our creeks and to avoid painting anything permanent, such as fixtures, trees or large rocks in parks or public spaces. 

It’s also wonderful to see the caravans of teachers driving through our neighbourhoods in decorated cars to greet their students. I watched one with a local Syrian family, and it was touching to see how much it meant to the daughter when her teacher called out her name.

And last but not least, a big shout-out to International Web Express Printing & Mailing, which has been supporting local groups such as the Immigrant Link Centre Society and Tri Cities Mom’s Group with deliveries, and recently donated a truck and driver to deliver more than 5,000 pounds of food to those in need.

It’s acts of kindness like these that are helping make these difficult times a little more bearable for everyone.

We’re going to get through this. We’re going to see the measures will change, but each time they change, we will be remain in lock step with Dr. Bonnie Henry, and the BC Provincial Health Office, the BC Centre for Disease Control and the experts, the folks who have spent their careers preparing for an epidemic and who are guiding us through a pandemic.

We can do this, Coquitlam. And I thank you all for working with us.

Richard Stewart
 Mayor

For mental health support, please check out www.mentalhealthweek.ca for resources, www.crisiscentrechat.ca for 24-hour crisis lines or chats for youth and adults, or B.C.’s 24-hour Kids Help Phone for children and youth at 1-800-668-6868.

For More Information

For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:

Coquitlam residents are encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.

For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources:

 

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

"We're hiring!" sign at City of Coquitlam job fair

We’re Hiring: Join Us at Coquitlam’s Recreation Job Fair

Posted on: February 28, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Doggo posing for a picture whilst on leash.

Coquitlam Dogs: Train Your Human

Posted on: January 30, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Two girls float in the pool on a noodle

Registration for Spring Recreation Programs starts January 30

Posted on: January 23, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
A yellow graphic that reads Public Service Advisory

Coquitlam Winter Weather Response

Posted on: January 17, 2024
2023_Snow_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Next Snow Event

Posted on: January 16, 2024
2023_Extreme Cold_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Winter Event

Posted on: January 11, 2024
Teddy bear getting mended

Free Repair Café Event in Coquitlam

Posted on: January 8, 2024
Patrons strolling around Lights at Lafarge.

Celebrate the Season at Jingle Bells Night

Posted on: December 13, 2023
Coquitlam Dam being built

Find Coquitlam History in Other Archives

Posted on: December 11, 2023
Public works vehicle prepped for winter weather

City Crews Prepare for Snow

Posted on: December 8, 2023
High-flowing river

Be Prepared: Heavy Rain in the Forecast

Posted on: December 4, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Update on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: December 1, 2023
CFR Maltese and Christmas lights.

Have a Safe and Fun Winter Season

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Statement on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Cyclists riding through City Centre Multi Modal Path and Intersection

Go by Bike this Fall in Coquitlam

Posted on: October 13, 2023
Child holding a blue shovel with snow

Volunteer as a Coquitlam Snow Angel

Posted on: October 10, 2023
Yellow background with exclamation mark and text that says PSA

Wind Warning in Effect

Posted on: September 25, 2023
Blue sign at park reading "Glen Park"

Help Shape the City’s Plans for Glen Park

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Three Indigenous people, two dressed in 'fancy' traditional costumes

Celebrate 2023 Culture Days in Coquitlam

Posted on: September 14, 2023
People standing in front of a sport organization's tent

Coquitlam Sports Fair Returns Aug. 19

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Canada Day -News Flash

Canada Day in Coquitlam

Posted on: June 7, 2023
City Hall Property Taxes

Coquitlam Announces New City Manager

Posted on: April 13, 2023
A woman and a man sit at a coffee table with a silver laptop, calculator and paperwork.

Avoid Late Fees on 2023 Utility Bills

Posted on: March 23, 2023