New Winds, New Confidence: A Runway for Mental Health

The air is alive with energy, creativity, and a touch of nervous excitement. The runway is set, the music is cued, and the participants of Durham Mental Health Services’ (DMHS) New Winds Day Program are ready to shine. But this isn’t just any fashion show – it’s a celebration of resilience, self-expression, and community.

For clients like Yakeen, the journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. Born in the Middle East and now living in Ajax, Yakeen faced years of addiction and struggles with mood disorders. “After high school, I had a downfall,” she recalls. “I wasn’t mentally doing well and picked up bad habits. Through the years, addiction became my struggle.” In 2019, she was introduced to the DMHS New Winds Day Program.

“The program gave me structure and a sense of belonging,” she shares. “I felt so isolated from the community. Coming to New Winds made me realize I’m not alone. It gives you something to look forward to each day – and the support to take care of yourself.”

For Jin, discovering the New Winds Day Program was a turning point. “I didn’t know anything about mental illness before,” he admits. After experiencing severe depression and a hospitalization, it was his son who guided them to DMHS. “From the start, the staff made me feel comfortable. I immediately knew this program could help people like me.”

Both clients have found the program to be a vital part of maintaining their mental health. Daily routines at New Winds Day Program, from mental health education and music groups to walks and shared lunches, offer structure, creativity, and community. “It takes time to reap the benefits,” Yakeen adds. “But over the years, I’ve learned that this is a place that accepts me, even as I open up about my life.”

The fashion show itself is a highlight of the program, allowing participants to express themselves in sporty, casual, and dressy outfits they choose themselves. The venue is beautifully decorated by the clients, in a space generously provided by the Knights of Columbus in Whitby. For many, this is more than just a fun event – it’s an opportunity to build confidence, social skills, and a sense of pride.

“It feels like people are celebrating you,” Yakeen says of walking the runway. “These are moments that are very sweet. People cheering you on – it’s uplifting and makes life more exciting.”

Now in his seventh year participating in the fashion show, Jin reflects on the experience with pride. “I used to be scared to be social and kept everything to myself,” he reflects. “Thanks to the New Winds Day Program, the warm people, and the staff, I was led into an open space. Participating in these events gives you a sense of fulfillment and belonging.”

Kirsten Burgomaster, Health System Executive, Clinical, at Lakeridge Health, emphasizes the importance of mental health services and programs like these. “Services at Lakeridge Health and Durham Mental Health Services provide spaces for people to regain confidence and courage while navigating life’s challenges”, she explains. “Programs and events, such as the fashion show, create opportunities for clients to celebrate themselves and their recovery in a joyful, meaningful way.”

At its heart, the New Winds Fashion Show is about more than clothing or music – it’s about connection, creativity, and the promise of hope. For clients and families impacted by mental health, it is a reminder that recovery is possible, and that joy and self-expression are always within reach.