What kind of Activist am I? According to an amazing site and resource WEGO Health: a different kind of social media company I Am a MOM, when I read this I felt a deep sense of pride that I do live and breathe these attributes (description at bottom of this post).
WEGO Health has a fantastic mission: to empower the top 10% of online health social media contributors to connect with each other and with healthcare companies. They call these passionate people Health Activists – they’re community leaders, bloggers, on Facebook, on Twitter, leading online forums, and usually “all of the above.”
I have followed this wonderful resource for quite some time, collaborating and learning from some of the top health activists in the world. So when I received a heartfelt award nomination from Gemma Stone I was deeply touched. In part, because Gemma is a Registered Clinical Psychologist so her words have a tremendous amount of credibility. Also, I advocate on a non-profit basis, with a deep passion and desire to reduce the stigma around mental illness. There is the saying – you receive when you give, my heart is filled to the brim that I have the courage and determination to advocate for a cause that has so many blocks up. There have been many times that I want to throw my hands up in the air and yell “I give up”, with frustration that youth are taking their lives, millions of Canadians are dealing with mental illness, yet our country is one of the least supportive of Mental Health. Yet I am brought back to how I felt in 2004, alone, desperate, isolated and scared of being judged. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that, this keeps me going. My journey is shared in detail in a 15 part blog series “A Quiet Strong Voice – A journey through depression, anxiety and attempted suicide.” and my most recent 4 part blog series “Bring it On! How I beat the October Blues”
Thank YOU Gemma for this beautiful nomination for the Health Activist Hero 2011.
Lee is a passionate advocate for mental illness and suicide awareness. As a wife, mom, blogger, and speaker she lives her message.
She spreads awareness, compassion, and generosity in every community she touches- both online and in the real world.
Personally she has inspired me to be authentic and real in the way that I work with my clients. Lee gave me the courage to share my story, which empowers me to make an even bigger difference in the lives of my clients.
In the online realm, Lee is in a constant state of raising awareness and spreading compassion through her communities in social media. Lee also writes outstanding and passionate blogs about important mental health issues like depression, bullying, and suicide.
In the real world Lee has accomplished some amazing things including the I Am Brave movement, which brought impressive awareness to Mental Health Awareness.
Lee is the voice that the world needs to hear in order to spread greater compassion, awareness, and knowledge about the mental health issues that have a profound impact on so many people.
She is the change I wish to see in the world. She has changed my outlook with her story, and impressed me with her dedication, Lee inspires others with her words and provides hope with her encouragement. Lee, quite literally, has saved lives with her activism.
She, more than anyone I have ever met, deserves to be honored as the Health Activist Hero of 2011.
Thank you to my mystery Nominator for this:
Best Kept Secret Nomination:
Lee is amazing! She is dedicated to ensuring awareness of mental health issues.. She works tirelessly and gives more than others could ever know… Her mission is clear… Her passion is apparent and her desire to be the change is evident in all she does!
And another mystery Nominator:
Best in Show: Twitter
Lee does it all and she does it all in the name of suicide awareness and prevention. She regularly advocates on Twitter, Facebook, as well as shares authentically on her blog. As a psychologist, I always appreciate Lee’s ability to discuss the topic of suicide in a way that promotes awareness of this difficult topic. She works tirelessly to ensure that people know that they are not alone and is regularly raising money to promote this cause. Most importantly, Lee advocates on this cause for no personal gain besides that she hopes to help others as she needed help herself. She ensures that she refers people to the appropriate resources so that they get the help they need. I hope I clearly outlined all she does in the area of activism but to get the full picture all you have to do is go to any of her online platforms and you will understand what I mean.
MOM Definition from WEGO Health
You’re a MOM & MR. MOM! That means:
- You make sure people with health issues know they’re not alone. Whether you’re drawing on personal experience or just relying on your amazing antennae, you know when someone needs a hand — and you’re always there to help.
- You move others from despair to hope and nothing makes you happier. For you, online communities are a great place to do more good for more people.
- You may also be: An offline support group leader, teacher, dedicated civil servant and of course, parent.
Your Health Activist Status: Health Activist
You’re part of a community that cares deeply about health and has a passion for sharing information for the greater good. You may even be so busy online that you don’t realize you’re a driving force in a community.
WEGO Health is a great supplement to your current blogs, groups or other online activities. It’s where you can:
- Amplify your voice
- Meet other Health Activists
- Talk to health experts
- Learn new skills
- Find new tools
Do you know a passionate person who is advocating for a good cause, goes above and beyond? Show them how proud you are of them and nominate them today.
Learn more:
Check out all the awards (and nominate others!): http://info.wegohealth.com/awards-2011/
Download our quick sharing templates: http://info.wegohealth.com/awards-sharing/
Want to help pick the winners? Apply to be part of our Judging Panel: http://info.wegohealth.com/awards-jury/
Award Winners and Honorable Mentions will be notified in January 2012 – so stay tuned!
P.S. Be sure to follow @wegohealth and #HAAwards on Twitter to see updates on the nominees (including yourself!) and like us at www.facebook.com/wegohealth to see all of the nominations.
Hugs, Love & Gratitude
