Over the years, I have sat down
numerous times to write about something that I am sure has affected many of
you. Mental Illness…Yup, you read that right.
Today I was at the Breakfast of
Champions for the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Assoc.). I have been going
for a couple of years now and it has always been an inspiring experience.
There are usually 5-10 nominations for the Champion of Mental Health Awards,
the nominee can be for an individual person or groups of people who have
contributed to promoting mental health awareness, have raised funds, or have
helped those struggling and for those who struggle themselves. In my
eyes, all of the nominees are winners.
The breakfast ends with a speaker,
someone who has been affected by mental illness. Last year was Clara Hughes
(Canadian Olympian), and this year it was Chantal Kreviazuk
(singer/songwriter/performer). Hard to compare the two, both were equally
interesting to hear how mental health has affected them.
While listening to Chantal speak
about how mental health has played a role in her life, I realized I didn't need
to tell my story completely. I just needed to put it out there that
“everyone is dealing with something”. We can all be our own Champion.
It’s up to us to decide the role it’s going to play in our lives
If we are honest with ourselves,
in some way we are all affected by mental illness. So when you really think
about it, there is a good chance that the person walking by you on the sidewalk
may be dealing with their own struggles, or know someone who has. It
certainly makes you look at everyone differently. Most likely, they are
having the same thoughts about it as you – it makes you feel "not so alone".
