A Manitoba woman is helping families navigate the challenges of mental health by building community, sharing practical tools, and leaning on faith—through a growing movement that reminds people they don’t have to walk the journey alone.
“The Sashbear Foundation is an organization that works along with families that have a family member, a loved one, who has issues with mental health,” says Marisol Pulido, volunteer coordinator of the Sashbear Walk in Steinbach, Man. “[This includes] emotional dysregulation, and we walk with them in their journey.”
While the Sashbear Walk started in Ontario, where the foundation is, Pulido helps organize and lead the only one in Manitoba.
“We try to educate the public with two main programs. One program is called the Family Connections program, which goes for 12 weeks. They can learn a bunch of skills that will help them learn to navigate mental health. We also have the monthly education series. It’s an education series that talks about hard topics like suicide prevention, self-harm, and substance use.”
Pulido knows first hand the power of finding a community of people to walk through the mental health battles, and the difference it can make, simply knowing a person isn’t alone in the experience.
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Mental Health Issues and Faith
“Our own family has gone through lots of struggles with mental health and we’re not shy to talk about it. About five years ago, it was a very hard journey. We’ve learned it’s important to talk about it and educate yourself.”
Pulido also says her Christian faith has been a huge help as she and her family have walked this difficult journey together, leaning on God and their faith community.
“Personally as a Christian, I felt at some point that if I follow God, my life should look and be perfect. I’ve learned over the years, it’s far from that. I still struggle and have issues. We need God. We are not here to do it by ourselves and to show how perfect we are. He is perfect. He is the one who holds our hand and walks us through this. That’s where my strength comes from.”
Third Annual Walk for Mental Health
This year, the Sashbear Foundation is partnering with the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC). The walk will start at SAC, located at 304 2 St, Steinbach, at 10:00 a.m on May 23. There will be a lunch after the walk.
“I believe God has a journey for everyone and He doesn’t waste your sorrows. Let us walk through this journey so we can help others walk through their journey. I understand, it’s hard. Just hold onto the hope that there is something beyond that suffering.”
Connor Hellybuck, the Winnipeg Jets goalie and a mental health advocate, has donated a signed hockey stick that will go up for auction starting May 8 on their website.
“I want to make a difference, and I want to help others walk their journey. We’re not alone. We are supposed to be a community, working together to get better.”