YMCA expands mental health programs for adults and newcomers to Canada

A mental health program geared towards helping people cope with anxiety is expanding at the Saskatoon YMCA.

The Y Mind program is an early intervention psychological education group that is based on acceptance and commitment therapy.

Sophia Khan, a Y Mind facilitator with the YMCA, said it’s intended for those with moderate to mild anxiety. Currently, Khan says organizers run the program specifically for teens, but are now expanding the program to support adults and newcomers to Canada.

The Y Mind Adult program is a seven-week mental wellness program run by mental health professionals that focuses on different mindfulness activities and coping strategies such as meditation and breathing exercises. It is for individuals over 31 years old and is set to run this spring.

Khan adds the program also focuses on cognitive work.

“(It’s) learning how to be aware of our thoughts … and how our thoughts might be impacting our mood or our actions,” she said.

Khan said the program provides an opportunity for individuals experiencing anxiety to connect, adding it’s a great way for likeminded people to get together.

“A lot of times with mental health, people really feel alone and having it in that group format really builds connections,” she said.

The Y Mind program has also expanded to adapt to individuals who are 18 to 30 and are new to Canada.

While still based on acceptance and commitment therapy, Khan said the program will touch on the same topics but is tailored to a newcomer’s experience coming to Canada.

“(It’s) taking into account (that) some people might struggle with English, or they might have additional barriers to seeking support,” she said.

Khan said the program is expected to start up in February, and by then, the YMCA is hoping to gain access to a translator to help its members.

Khan said both programs will be free, adding a program with no price can relieve a barrier for many people.

“(It) really makes people realize that they’re not alone, that there’s support out there,” she said.

Both the Y Mind Adult and Y Mind Youth Newcomer programs are available in person at the downtown YMCA location or virtually through Zoom. Applications can be made on the YMCA website.