MILE 5

MILE 5 is a five day program developed for high and middle school students. It stands for Mental Illness Literacy Program and is a 5 day school based stigma reduction program. I am a volunteer speaker with Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba/Winnipeg Region and go into schools on day 4 and share my story.

Students learn what can contribute to mental illness and they learn what factors contribute to the development of mental illness. Statistics show that 1 out of every 5 people have a mental health illness.

I have shared my story now at 6 schools now and each time I come away feeling empowered and inspired. I am overwhelmed at the intelligence, knowledge of the students and realize that the worlds future is in good hands. The students are inquisitive and engaged. They ask informative insightful questions.

I share my story of dealing with depression and how I sought out professional help and have learned to deal in a positive way with my depression. My lows are not nearly as low or as long as they used to be.

The students write questions down on cue cards and then I answer them. The questions range from What is your favourite sport? Who is your favourite basketball player? to What are the signs and symptoms for you? What is it like taking medications for depression? Who has helped you deal with your depression?

I wish there was this type of program when I was going to school. Anything that can be done to break down the stigma of mental health is important. Mental health is an illness like cancer or diabetes. It is often silent and can affect anyone at any time.

For me the symptoms are two fold. I either become silent, withdrawn or distant. Or I become angry, loud, belligerent and swear lots. My triggers are an unexpected social situation which does not go as anticipated. This can also be a work situation. When I am dealing well with my depression I just roll with it. I can tell my depression is managing me when I react in one of 2 ways as mentioned above. Also I have found that laughter truly is a wonderful medicine. It is not my only medicine in my toolbox. It is good to have it in my repotoire.