Thanks to Pemberton writer Cindy Filipenko for reminding us about Mental Health Awareness Week, September 30 – October 6.

Nearly one in five Canadians is affected by mental illness, yet a persistent stigma prevents millions from getting the help they need. One in five sufferers of mental illness will choose to end their own lives.

That’s why Cindy also deserves a shout-out for sharing her personal wellness journey. You can read her entire post here, and feel free to post your own shout-outs of support in the comments section below.

The more that those of us who aren’t violent criminals or train-wreck pop stars talk about what it’s like to live with a mood disorder, the more the stigma will erode and the more likely people will be to get treatment — the same way they would for any physical, non-stigmatized illness.

Life gets much easier when you move forward from mental illness to mental health. It begins with accessing the resources around you. It worked for me. It can work for you. ~ Cindy Filipenko