I’m an Arts students at the University of Manitoba majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, Vice President of Justice for Women University of Manitoba Student Group, an active volunteer, and a mental health advocate.
I’ve been dealing with mental illness most of my life. I’ve gone through depression twice and have always had social anxiety. My mental health is something I had to keep up with but I think self care is very important, and so is people’s understanding of how you cope.
The Winnipeg March for Mental Health is extremely important! I strongly believe that stigma is a strong contributor to mental illness and responsible for many people staying silent about their mental illness or worsening mental health and prevents people from getting help. Talking about mental illness is important to help end the stigma and create an understanding for people who haven’t experienced mental illness.
A greater understanding creates a greater available support network and a greater opportunity to come forward and seek help. The Winnipeg March for Mental Health brings so much attention to mental illness and allows people like me to tell people about my experiences with mental illness and create solidarity or understanding with the audience.
Speaking out about mental illness helps change the people around you and connects you to people who are experiencing similar issues that you never would have seen as a support, and that is what I try to do.
Melissa Ray is one of the brilliant guest speakers we have at the Winnipeg March for Mental Health. Catch Melissa’s speech on May 6, 2017 at St. Vital Park from 1pm-4pm.
