SNM Tour Day #65
We were up early to fly back to Ottawa today. Oct 4 - 11 is Mental Illness Awareness Week 2010.
(Apparently it is also Habitat for Humanity Day today, Personal Financial Planning Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Month!). If you have not done so, check out www.miaw.ca and see what this organization and its week is all about. We have been thinking about this day since the start of the tour. While we still have a few km to do in Newfoundland, this is a very important and pinnacle day of the entire SAD no more Tour.
Byrnes Benoit from Spectra Productions in Winnipeg has been putting together a video of the tour and a version has been submitted to play at this gala. (By the way - got "the package" in Ottawa - thanks B+B, especially Barb on this one, for the final installment of Cosmic Cookies, I had just run out on Saturday!) In addition I have been asked to speak at tonight's gala, as one of the "Faces" of the 2010 campaign. So what better use of a blog then to give you the written draft of the speech I will be delivering at this banquet. Of course this is what is written down, what is actually said given the flow and context of the evening may be different, we'll see......
This is the draft of the speech I will be delivering.
"On August 1st my wife Monique and I set off from Victoria BC on the SAD no more Canadian Tour 2010. The mission of this cross-Canada adventure, which is still ongoing, is to raise awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and to inspire action to overcome it. Over these past 2 months while running, cycling and speaking I have also been listening to people across this country. What have I learned? - a lot! Fortunately the organizers only gave me a few minutes or I'd be up here all night.
The first thing I learnt is that I love spandex. This is the first time I've had a proper shirt and tie on for over 2 months!
The first thing I learnt is that I love spandex. This is the first time I've had a proper shirt and tie on for over 2 months!
Mental illness impacts us all directly. Even when talking specifically about SAD, it was extremely rare to meet someone who didn't have a spouse, a close friend or co-worker that was affected, if they didn't suffer from depression themselves.
People are hungry for knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. We live in an age where access to information has never been easier and people are actively searching for answers.
Unfortunately the stigma and discrimination of mental illness is still alive and well. All efforts to decrease it must be encouraged. We live in a glut of awareness campaigns that span days, weeks or even months and we hear about countless fundraisers, walks and runs, all for important causes. As our lives are more complicated and busy, we are getting increasingly desensitized to the messages we are bombarded with whether they are incidental or crucial.
To decrease the stigma of mental illness we need to talk openly about it. The stories of everyday Canadians must be told and must be heard. As mental health organizations and leaders, we must be dedicated and persistent, open and flexible, and as creative as possible.
A big thanks to all the sponsors and supporters of this campaign.
A big thanks to all the sponsors and supporters of this campaign.
This year I came out of the mental illness closet and for me, it has been a very freeing experience. This Mental Illness Awareness Week campaign has been a huge impetus to me and to the SAD no more Tour.
I stand in front of you and the nation stating that Recovery is Possible. I believe it and I am living it!
For the opportunity to be here this evening, Thank You"
This year's 5 faces on stage at the gala
Tour Day Sponsor is Brian Hunter, thanks again!!
Quotes of the Day
All roads lead to stigma
Dr Paulette Tremblay
Dr Paulette Tremblay
That is an awesome, moving and focused speech. They will love it! Canada is grateful for your honesty and excellent role model actions. If Ted can do, people can too. And for this we are extremely appreciative!
ReplyDeleteStaying healthy, and living a healthy active lifestyle, can overcome depression, by ways only that Mother Nature and her magical sunshine and wildlife encounters can bring to ground you. She lets you know that you are loved and a needed part of the whole harmonious balance of all life.
Congrats, and we are very proud of all of yours and Monique's noble efforts to put mental illness on the kitchen table.
Merci, thank you!
Ted & Monique
ReplyDeleteThanks for your speech Ted and both of your presence at this event. Touching to be included in it, and I'm excited with you at the progress being made by the various sectors working together (business, ngos, government, health agencies) present and financially contributing and advancing the conversation. Was thrilled to see MPs (Parliamentarians) throughout and the interest in changing policy to support awareness and erase the stigma connected with mental illness. Several at the table where Eric and I sat commented that such conversations could not have even happened at THIS event even 3 years ago, so progress is being made. I admire your courage in stepping out as an MD professional and good to see so many supporting and affirming you as they plan next steps... Sure hope this continues to inspire others.
Safe travels as you head back east and on to Newfoundland, while I return southwest to my life in Dayton, OH. Canada is truly a great country...and it is the people who make it so...
Thanks to all who continue the vision at home and away,
Leanne