May is Mental Health Awareness Month - "I Am 1 in 5, But I Am Also So Much More"

We wanted to share this personal piece written by one of our volunteers on the subject of Mental Health Awareness Month. The original blog can be located here.

I Am 1 in 5, But I Am Also So Much More

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

1 in 5 Canadians will struggle with a mental illness in their lifetime. I am 1 in 5, but I am also so much more.

For me, there is power in saying “while I may have a mental illness, it does not have me.” My struggles are situated in the context of my person. I am not a stereotype, a statistic, nor a story with a pre-determined ending. I am a person, whole and complex, messy and imperfect. Making my way through life as we all are, each with our own challenges to overcome.

While not everyone’s challenges take the form of mental illness, every single person has mental health that needs tending to just as any other aspect of our health does.

Here’s to Mental Health Awareness Month. Here’s to tackling stigma. Here’s to the resilience of the human spirit.

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If you (or someone you know) struggles with mental illness or is facing mental health challenges, please know that there is help, there is hope, and you are deserving of it.

While the system of care is not perfect, you are loved, you are valued, and healthcare's limitations are not reflection of your capacity for growth and healing. Please always reach out, seek healing where it suits your needs, and remember that as long as we're alive, there is hope.

Here is a link to mental health services in B.C. It is a very broad overview and if you need more specific support in navigating service options, I am just a message away.

Much love and light to you,

- Shaely