Faces of Mental Illness 2009
Meet the Faces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2009
 Mark Gruchy |  Etienne Gervais |  Brian Nootchtai |  Arlene Mayes |  Raija Begall |
Etienne Gervais
Meet Etienne Gervais. Etienne is a 25 year old Quebec author from Montréal. Etienne has lived with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) since the age of 18. As a young adult, Etienne engaged in unstable relationships, attempted suicide several times and struggled with addiction. Etienne lost everything as a result of these destructive behaviours, and only then did he realize the key to his recovery was within himself. Etienne has since dedicated himself to writing. He wrote his first novel, L’ennemi en moi, to encourage understanding and support not only for people diagnosed with BPD, but also to promote awareness among those that are closest to people who live with mental illnesses. He is currently working on two new books as well as a documentary dealing with the struggles of youth and Borderline Personality Disorder. With a deep desire to improve the lives of others, Etienne wants and needs to share his story so people struggling with mental health issues do not have to feel alone and isolated. Recovery is Possible.
Brian Nootchtai
Meet Brian Nootchtai. Brian is a respected Elder on the Whitefish Lake First Nation in Naughton, Ontario. He is a family man who enjoys spending time with his friends and loved ones. Brian works as a Mental Health Case Worker for the North Shore Tribal Council and is committed to improving the quality of life for all Aboriginal people. As a child, Brian experienced the devastating psychological effects of sexual abuse. He has lived with depression and anxiety throughout his life, which eventually led him to seek help through traditional Aboriginal healing methods, such as the teaching of the medicine wheel, to deal with his mental health and addiction issues and seek balance and wellness in his life. Brian faces each day with gratitude for his Ojibway culture and is always willing to share his story in a way that honors his Aboriginal heritage. Brian wants others to understand that the stigma of mental illness is real, and hopes to show that people with mental illnesses can, and do lead fully functional and fulfilling lives. Recovery is Possible.
Mark Gruchy
Meet Mark Gruchy. Mark is a criminal defence attorney in St. John's, Newfoundland who was inspired to enter his field through his experiences with mental illness as a youth. His early struggle with bipolar disorder and family tragedy led him to drop out of high school, and he undertook a long journey to rejoin society. Mark experienced the full brunt of stigma and is troubled by the characterization of mental illnesses as negative phenomena. He feels this characterization prevents people from accepting their legitimate complete selves. He has developed a deep empathy for people who are judged and labeled, and believes society has a moral obligation to act against stigma. His life is guided by this principle, his firm belief in mercy, and the belief that the social reconciliation needed to address the question of mental health today, only comes with self-acceptance. He attributes his continued success to the love of his fiancé and family, and a supportive employer who allows him to be himself. Mark has found his place in the world, and is doing his best to help others find theirs.Recovery is Possible.
Arlene Mayes
Meet Arlene Mayes. Arlene is a Mental Health Support Worker from Winnipeg. She enjoys cooking, gardening and spending time with her friends and two grown children. Arlene experienced a traumatic event in her mid-thirties, which led to depression and a severe anxiety disorder called agoraphobia. Her fear of leaving the safety of her home not only changed Arlene’s life, but also affected the lives of her children and she realized she needed to seek help. Arlene connected with several mental health organizations in her community and is now working for a respite centre. She is currently involved in organizing a walk during Mental Illness Awareness Week that aims to bring an end to stigma associated with mental illness. She has overcome a debilitating mental illness and is an inspirational leader who helps others find hope and become empowered by their experiences with mental illness. Arlene truly believes that stigma will become a thing of the past and says, “you should not look down on anyone unless you are helping them up." Recovery is Possible.
Raija Begall
Meet Raija Begall. Raija is a 20-year-old student from Thunder Bay, Ontario who studies nursing at Lakehead University and hopes to specialize in youth mental health. Raija loves being outdoors, listening to music, working with youth and expressing herself through her passion for writing. At 19, Raija authored a book called Breaking up with ED, which talks about her struggles growing up with an eating disorder (ED) accompanied by depression and anxiety. After being hospitalized for anorexia when she was 12, Raija realized eating disorders are not only about body image, but about control. She attributes her recovery to her acceptance of anorexia as a mental illness, and the support of friends, family and her peer advisory group. Raija aims to encourage people to accept who they are and realize their potential. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire other youth and young adults to realize that they have the power to take control of their lives and to live every day to the fullest. Recovery is Possible.
