GUELPH — The people closest to the issue were celebrating and shining a light on overcoming and coping with mental health challenges Saturday at Exhibition Park.
“Today is actually a day of celebrating mental health. A day to reduce the stigma around mental health and to raise awareness around our community,” said Kristin Hunter, resource co-ordinator with the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Community resource booths, entertainment, crafts face painting and speeches were topped off with a march to downtown Guelph, all part of the second annual I Am A Survivor Of My Own Mind Walk and Family Fun Day.
CMHA youth co-ordinator Brett Friesen, manager of CMHA children’s services, said it was all about getting a positive message about mental health across, not only to those suffering, but also to the community at large.
“It’s important to celebrate the people who have shown the strength and resiliency in regards to their own mental health and their families, and also help that the community understand that all of us, on the spectrum and at some time or another, experience mental health. Whether it’s a day where we’re feeling low or someone who has several of those days,” Friesen said.
“Really it’s about helping everybody understand that everyone around us is part of our community and how to support and take away the stigma. Nobody here is any different than anybody else.”
Hunter was quick to deflect praise for the event to the main organizers: GLOWW (Giving Light Offers Worth and Wellness), a youth group for those who suffer or have suffered from mental health issues.
“They’re the visionaries behind the march downtown and this event,” Hunter said. “They’ve very passionate about wanting to march on the street and give the idea that ‘hey, I’ve struggled and it’s OK that I’ve gone through that struggle and other people have too.'”
Several members of GLOWW spoke at the event, each reciting a line from a statement about what the main message of the day was.
“The message we want to get across today is to not let your mental illness define who you are,” said Shelby.
“Yes, I have a mental illness, but I am still productive,” followed April.
“I am not a victim, no matter what I have been through. I am still here and I have a history of victory,” Allie added.
Police chief Jeff DeRuyter and Ward 3 Coun. June Hofland also spoke to the small gathering.
“I am so impressed and so inspired by the members of GLOWW … I commend their work and I commend their courage,” Hofland said before telling the story of growing up with a cousin that battled mental health issues before finally taking her own life.
“Her family did not know how to help her and the stigma of mental health issues was scary, never talked about and was our family secret. There were not the services or support in those days,” she said.
Friesen said he was proud of the efforts of GLOWW and their willingness to take on the challenge of educating others about mental health.
“They’re so passionate about what they do … it’s the youth that need to lead the movement around stigma and mental health. We’re so proud we have these brilliant, successful children that want to step forward,” he said.
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