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Overcoming Mental Health Stigmas

July 8, 2010 By 2 Comments

Two friends that are very near and dear to me – Raul and Isabella – are at it again. Up to a whole lot of good that is.

You see, these two lovely creatures came up with the wonderful idea of hosting a Mental Health Camp last year to help erase to stigma associated with Mental Health.  And after a most successful and hugely upbeat and empowering day last summer, they are back at it again – this weekend in fact (I have been a little remiss in getting this up sooner, in favour of my own mental health and getting some sleep).

I am very proud of Raul and Isabella and their many volunteers, as I am of the personal believe that hiding mental health issues like a dirty little secret in the closet, only makes the person feel worse and continues the cycle of lack of understanding or empathy for mental health issues in society.  It is also my personal believe that we all suffer from depression at some point in our lives – whether from a more long term condition or after a miscarriage, birth of a child, death, loss of a job or change in our lives, like retirement.  I am no different.  A few years back I had a bout with depression, and let me tell you, it was damn scary.  The only thing that got me out of it was my Dad saying, “You’re depressed, aren’t you?” Finally admitting that both to myself and to him and talking about it with him is what pulled me out.  We figured out some of the causes (ie. not taking any time for me or even a day off), but mostly just having someone to talk to about it helped.  Especially someone that I loved and respected to talk to – that did not treat me as though I was an alien with a third eye on my head.  It was okay.  This happens to all of us at times.  His only concern was for helping to pull me out of it.  Reminded me again how lucky I am to have the family I have.

Remembering to Take Time for Me

This year’s Mental Health Camp is focused on ‘Using Social Media as a Vehicle for Dealing with Mental Health’.  I can’t say that this is actually always a good thing, as it depends on how it is done and on you, the person.  But I do know that this will be the perfect place to explore this.  Knowing Raul and Isabella and their past work, they will create a safe environmental with confidentiality for you to explore how much you want to share and in what way, and whether this is a positive environment for you.

This year’s Mental Health Camp is on Saturday July 10th from 8 am – 6 pm.  You can find out more details on their site and register at eventbrite.

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

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Nothing to Hide

April 19, 2009 By 5 Comments

Something I don’t really think I’ve mentioned before is that I’ve grown up with depression.  Not personally – aside from at times of morning, job loss or break ups – but in my family.  My Mom and my sister, Bella, have struggled with depression (thanks to anorexic youths) most of life’s. As a result, I feel rather strongly about the topic.

Photo by Sarah Azavezza

Photo by Sarah Azavezza

Depression is a very normal thing.  It is not something to hide or be embarrassed about – whether with yourself or in your family.  In fact to overcome depression and better understand it, it is so important to talk about it.  It is not all in your head and is not part of your imagination.  It is a very real condition that all of us struggle with to one degree or another at some point in our life’s.  It is for this reason that I am so pleased and proud of my friends Raul Pacheco and Isabella Mori for organizing the first ever Mental Health Camp.

What? A conference about the intersection of social media and mental health.

When? 9 am – 6 pm  Saturday April 25, 2009

Where? Workspace:  #400 – 21 Water Street in Gastown, Vancouver

Who? Anyone who suffers from depression or has a family member or close friend who suffers from depression.

A couple of things I have learned from living with depression my whole life and with the odd bout with it myself:

  • Get Regular Exercise
  • Eat Well & Healthily
  • Get Fresh Air & Sunshine
  • Take a Break & Get Out
  • Talk About It
  • Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
Photo by Lola May

Photo by Lola May

I had a scary little bout of depression a few years back that terrified me, because I knew what was wrong, but I didn’t know how to escape from it.  Finally my Dad said to me, “I think your depressed”, at which point I burst into tears and said I was.  He saved me that day as it didn’t take him long to find the source of the problem – I hadn’t taken a proper day off in over two months.

Recently, even though I haven’t had any depression, I have been getting a little extra help.  I’ve been seeing personal coach, Jennifer Priest.  This is the first time I’ve ever seen or talked to a professional and I wish I’d done it years ago.  I’m loving it!  She encourages me to speak and work through my thoughts aloud and be more introspective. I feel more relaxed, happier and focussed.  We talk about everything from work to relationships to living with depression.

My one piece of advice, if you have depression in your life, don’t sweep it under the rug, talk about it.

Thanks Raul, Isabella and Jennifer for starting the conversation!

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