Participating In The 12th Annual Walk For Mental Health Awareness
On June 10, 2017, we had the opportunity to gather with community residents and government officials to participate in Durham Region’s 12th annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness. Our very own Jim McKenny (recovery coach, former Toronto Maple Leaf) was the emcee of the event, and I assisted where I could.
[rev_slider durham-walk]In an effort to promote positive mental health, the event’s message was to “let people know that it’s ok to not be ok”. Broken bones, cuts and bruises are all hurts that can be seen on the outside, but sometimes the pain and hurt is not so visible.
A high percentage of Canadians live through their pain in silence, afraid to make themselves vulnerable to another. Events like Durham’s Walk For Mental Health encourage people to talk. Tell a friend, a loved one, a co-worker. The more we talk about mental health openly, the more we discourage the stigma that exists.
Working professionally in the field of Mental Health and Addictions I’ve learned that opening up to others leads to others opening up to you. Talking and listening… getting the dialogue started.
We all can do our part.
Let’s get talking.
