My Story
Over twenty years ago, while in my early ‘30’s, I was diagnosed with chronic panic disorder and depression. Looking back, I realize that my depression had, in all likelihood, started when I was a teenager. The real battle with my illness began when my sons were quite young – Nigel was three years old and Oakley was seven. We were about to begin a very frightening and difficult journey together. I was prescribed medication and on several occasions in the following years, I was admitted to hospital. More recently, as I entered my‘ 40’s, my symptoms grew more severe and again I found myself being admitted to hospital on more than one occasion. My illness, the accompanying symptoms and hospital stays made it nearly impossible to work. Around this time, I started to find help at the Royal Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa. In March of 2012, my doctor at the Royal, along with my CMHA therapist, decided that I was no longer able to work. For someone like me, who grew up working hard and who enjoyed their work and employer, it was difficult to hear. My focus had to be taking care of my mental health. Little did I know, this would prove to be the most difficult job of my life.
My sons and my husband, Rob, continue to be my main pillars of strength and support. I have a healthier outlook on life and a tremendous support system consisting of my doctor, therapists, friends and extended family.
Now in my ‘50’s, I have collected many tools on my road to getting “crazy” healthy. One of them is walking. Each morning, no matter how I feel, on “good” days or “bad” days, no matter what the weather brings, I walk. Those of us who suffer from mental illness know that it is real and frightening. My goal for Lynn’s Walk is to help bring the importance of mental health awareness to as many people as I can and to help other people who suffer with mental illness find the tools and resources that they need to help themselves. My walk takes place through July and will cover 750 km. I am walking towards that ray of sunshine that we all know is there.
My sons and my husband, Rob, continue to be my main pillars of strength and support. I have a healthier outlook on life and a tremendous support system consisting of my doctor, therapists, friends and extended family.
Now in my ‘50’s, I have collected many tools on my road to getting “crazy” healthy. One of them is walking. Each morning, no matter how I feel, on “good” days or “bad” days, no matter what the weather brings, I walk. Those of us who suffer from mental illness know that it is real and frightening. My goal for Lynn’s Walk is to help bring the importance of mental health awareness to as many people as I can and to help other people who suffer with mental illness find the tools and resources that they need to help themselves. My walk takes place through July and will cover 750 km. I am walking towards that ray of sunshine that we all know is there.