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Rally at BU aims to erase stigma of mental illness

Brandon Sun, The (Manitoba, Canada) - 10/11/2014

One in five Canadians will struggle with a mental illness at some stage in their lives. But despite its prevalence, many people are still reluctant to seek help, according to a Prairie Mountain Health mental health educator.

"They are concerned how others will judge them, or respond to them," Kathy Foley said. "Negative stereotyping of mental illness and the discrimination of those living with mental illness further leads to hesitancy in the accessing of care."

Almost half -- or 49 per cent -- of Canadians who believe they have suffered from depression or anxiety haven't gone to see a doctor, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Local mental health promotion co-ordinator Kristina Lindsay said negative stigmas surrounding mental illness are a "major barrier," but today's World Mental Health Day is designed to create awareness.

As part of that, the Brandon University Anti-Bullying Society, along with the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, want to help "Light Up The World Purple" with a rally and walk starting at BU.

This second annual worldwide event raises awareness of mental health issues while mobilizing efforts in support of mental health in memory of Amanda Todd. Todd was a 15-year-old British Columbia girl who she took her own life in 2012 after being bullied. Her favourite colour was purple.

Along with the Brandon Sun flag being printed in purple today, the City of Brandon sign at city hall will also be lit purple until Tuesday morning.

"We want to let people know that they're not alone," BU Anti-Bullying Society president Krystal Kayne said, adding they've ordered 1,250 glow sticks to hand out at the rally. "We want to light up Brandon purple."

This is the first year Brandon is hosting a Light Up The World Purple event. It will start at the BU Healthy Living Centre's east end parking lot, where roughly 20 booths showcasing a range of mental health resources available in Brandon and area will be on display.

The event starts at 6 p.m. with a community walk starting at 7 p.m. The route will take walkers to Princess Park and then back to BU. Those planning to attend are encouraged to wear purple and pink and to dress for the weather.

Walkers will be escorted by Brandon Police Service members, marshalled by members of the Citizens on Patrol Program and St. John Ambulance first-aid volunteers.

Last month, Mayor Shari Decter Hirst signed a proclamation stating that from this day on, the City of Brandon will recognize World Mental Health Day.

Kayne said she hopes this event will be held annually in Brandon and help "get people talking."

"We have the military here, we have a lot of youth, we have a lot of people that are suffering in silence when it comes to mental health."

Kayne added she suffers from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, but after moving to Brandon five years ago and connecting with available supports, she has been able to manage it.

"There was a time where I couldn't go outside because I didn't feel safe," she said. "Having that education and finding that support is why I was able to get outside."

» lenns@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @LindseyEnns