Men in Slave Lake are finding new ways to manage their mental well-being as local organizations, first responders, and residents work together to break down long-standing barriers and normalize the conversation.
For many men, opening up is a tough first step. Community member Collin Jay Loyie says pride and the pressure to appear manly often keep men from asking for help. Loyie faced his own battles with addiction alongside the sudden loss of his grandfather and uncle to heart attacks. He notes that he found his grandfather outside, and shortly after, his aunt found his uncle in his chair. These experiences pushed him to attend a treatment centre and turn his life around.
He says the key to moving forward is creating safe boundaries and building healthy routines, rather than putting up walls that isolate a person completely.
“Real change doesn’t happen until you decide to change your old habits,” Loyie says.
He recommends starting with simple daily goals, like making the bed, focusing on hygiene, and looking in the mirror to say positive affirmations.
“When you look good, you feel good, and it makes you want to do good,” Loyie says. He adds that his driving force today is living up to the man his family destined him to be.
Recognizing that men often process their feelings differently, the Slave Lake and Area Mental Health Network is organizing its annual men’s mental health forum, tentatively set for Nov. 14. Program coordinator Pearl Lorentzen says the evening event will include a male guest speaker, a panel of local men sharing their stories, and a light supper.
The forum has grown significantly, jumping from about 60 attendees in its first year to 150 last year. To encourage attendance and commitment, organizers are introducing a $5 registration fee this year, though it can be waived if it presents a financial barrier.
Lorentzen notes that men typically prefer “shoulder-to-shoulder” conversations—like chatting while fixing a truck or building a deck—rather than talking face-to-face. To combat loneliness, especially for men working 50 hours a week, she strongly suggests joining local social circles. She points to options like playing cribbage at the Pioneer Drop-In, joining the Slave Lake Airsoft group, playing pickleball at the MRC, or visiting the active Rod and Gun Club. For those interested in gaming, there is a local Game Centre, and for seniors, the Vanderwell Heritage Place offers diverse programming.
She also highlights upcoming fall workshops focused on coping skills and emotional regulation specifically designed for men.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mental health,” Lorentzen says, adding that volunteering to walk dogs at the local animal rescue is another great way to boost personal well-being. She encourages residents to attend the Parade of Programs on Sept. 12 to learn more about local groups.
The Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service is also keeping the conversation active. Senior firefighter Mitchell Mann says their team is raising funds for mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. They aim to raise $100,000 over 10 years and are making strong progress after raising almost $30,000 last year and winning the Great Canadian Fire Challenge. Recently, they collected about $1,100 at a community barbecue sponsored by No Frills.
They will host another barbecue with Mr. Mike’s at the Legion during Riverboat Days. Support for their efforts extends globally, with raffle items even coming in from a fire department in Italy. Mann points out that Movember Canada has also recently partnered with the Government of Canada to lead prostate cancer research.
“We talk about mental health openly and raise awareness so we can eliminate the stigma behind it,” Mann says.
Firefighters are especially vulnerable to post-traumatic stress and occupational cancers, making the issue highly personal for the department.
However, Mann stresses that the push for better mental health is a year-round community effort.
“Mental health challenges do not just go away after a single month of awareness,” he says.
Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative
Reporter