You are not alone...

Mental illness. It is more common than most people probably think. Mental illness can strike anybody at any time. There can be some serious consequences on the sufferer themselves and for those around them, work colleagues or family members. Someone who suffers from a mental illness can totally transform and it’s often hard to know how to communicate or relate to them.





What is a mental illness?
It is a psychological or behavioural pattern that can happen to anyone and causes distress or disability that is not expected as part of "normal development" or culture. It is any disease of the mind. Some one who suffers from a mental illness has emotional and behavioural problems, serious enough to need psychiatric intervention. It is a general term that refers to psychological, emotional, or behavioral disorders.

Mental Illness can include:
* Depression

* Bipolar Disorder (previously called manic depression)

* Schizophrenia

* Anxiety Disorders

* Eating Disorders

* Personality Disorders


Me personally, I have been struggling with both anxiety and depression. I also in the past have struggled with eating disorders. And it has been a struggle. I was diagnosed with depression about two years ago, but like many people I did not seek treatment. I thought the problem could go away, or I could deal with it using my own willpower and self medication. I did not talk about it to many people I guess because of shame and guilt. I didn’t want to look like a weak person. I did not want to be judged.

I believe that after a series of life changing events, high stress situations, personal family tragedies, childhood abuses, and genetics all contributed to where I am today, caused such a severe and serious breakdown and helped me get on the road to being healthy again.


Depression and anxiety are serious illnesses. The sad thing is that no one can see that you are sick. Many people have the mentality “you don’t look sick, you must not be, your not coughing, your not sneezing, you look normal”. Mental illnesses may not affect people visibly. But if someone is dealing with these disorders it is a serious illness and requires the same type of recovery as any other illness. Support from friends, family, and coworkers, treatment such as medications and therapy can truly help the recovery of someone dealing with this illness.

Having a mental disorder does not make you a weak person. It is a medical condition and should be treated seriously. If you feel you suffer from a mental illness, or know someone who does, talk to someone. It is so important not to try and diagnose yourself or just hope your symptoms will go away. Talk to your doctor so you can start a treatment program that works for you, to get better!

I so appreciate all the true support, respect, love and time I have been given from family, friends and coworkers.
I am truly blessed for the special people who are helping me heal.

EVENT: "Lets Celebrate Mental Health!"

On Sunday March 28th, 2010 Innisbrook Golf Course in Barrie, Ontario held "Let's Celebrate Mental Health!" The event organized by my self Krystie Ann, was to celebrate beauty, mental health and wellness. To promote mental health, to raise awareness and money for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch, and to also educate the community on mental illness.

There were many local business from the community to also offer their services to promote the event. Such as; "Adams Massage Therapy", "The Healing Oasis", "Usana Health Sciences", "Harmony Health Services," and more. There were two great photographers also in attendance to capture the moments "SP Photography" and "Vanessa Marie Dewsbury".


Ticket holders to the event were able to listen to some great guest speakers from the CMHA.

City Coun. Andrew Prince, also delivered a personal heart warming, first public speech since his leave of absence Feb 2010. 

There was also a fashion show featuring clothing from local business "By The Sea Boutique." Music for the event was provided by "Auddible N' Le Rouge".

The local vendors also donated some fabulous prizes to the event.

My hopes is for this event to be an annual one, and continue to grow. For the first year it was a great turn out, there was amazing support and interest. It was a fantastic afternoon!

A New Journey...

Today, it is the birth of "Stop The Stigma." I have created this group, this organization with the hopes of helping to educate others on mental illness and promote mental health.

Without our health, we have nothing. And hopefully with more access, and more information on getting the proper support and proper information on mental health and illnesses, we will be able to STOP THE STIGMA attached to mental illnesses. Make it OK to talk about it. Not be ashamed if we are dealing with a mental illness, or know someone who is. It is a very common disease, right now with 1 in every 5 Canadians dealing with a mental illness. And, great news-ALL mental illness are treatable.
So, hopefully with sites like this. With all the information and resources available to us, we will be able to help ourselves, and others and promote Mental Health!

"Mental health means striking a balance in all aspects of your life; socially, physically, spiritually, economically and mentally. Coming to a balance is a learning curve. You may tip the balance too much one way and have to find your footing again." -CMHA