Dear Editor:
RE: Dunsmore raises over $16,000 with 500km walk for Cody Shepperd Project, Oct. 1.
Why aren’t there more people like Neil Dunsmore in the world? His story definitely earned its spot on the front page! Dunsmore raised significant funds for the project, and did an amazing job of raising awareness about mental illness.
Too many people are affected by disorders like depression and anxiety. Most don’t even know they have a mental issue – or don’t want to admit it. “Mental illness” is a scary term.
People often overlook mental illness, ignoring those who call themselves “depressed”. We can’t pretend that mental disorders don’t take control of lives. It really was a mental illness that swallowed up Cody Shepherd’s last bit of confidence three years ago, making him take his own life!
Two of my own friends struggle with depression. I’ve seen the effects first hand. Both have had horrible thoughts – suicidal thoughts. In the past, my other friends and I couldn’t get either of them to seek the right help. Then, one of the two decided to take our advice. Now, she’s healing, and she wants to encourage others to follow her example, and to know that their illness doesn’t say who they are; they can overcome it with the right help!
My friend should be an inspiration. Her passion is the same as Dunsmore’s – to stand up to mental illness, and motivate people to overcome it.
If someone who suffers from mental illness herself is able to show people that “depression doesn’t define them”, what’s stopping others in the community?
I pray to see more stories like Dunsmore’s on the front page of the paper in the near future. We need to acknowledge the presence of mental disorders in our midst and stand beside Dunsmore, showing the world the truth – that mental disorders are a horrible reality, and something needs to be done about them.
Cassidy Vanleeuwen,
Fergus
